SENIOR DIVISION No. 277 THIRD QUARTER 1964

THE BLESSING OF DAILY STUDY

"The beauty and riches of the Word have a transforming influence on

mind and character."—Christ's

Object Lessons,

page 132.

"There is nothing more calculated to strengthen the intellect than the study

of the Scriptures. No other book is so potent to elevate the thoughts, to give

vigor to the faculties, as the broad, ennobling truths of the Bible. If God's

Word were studied as it should be, men would have a breadth of mind, a

nobility of character, and a stability of purpose rarely seen in these times."—

Steps to Christ,

page 9o.

My Daily Lesson Study Pledge

As one who greatly desires to improve his knowledge of the Scriptures, I pledge

myself to the careful and prayerful study of some portion of my Sabbath school

lesson each day of the week.

Nam



Lesson Titles for the Quarter

Marriage, Its Divine Origin and Purpose

Comdradeship at Home

The Privilege of Parenthood

The Training of Children

Guiding Our Young People

Factors Involved in Making Homes Happy or Unhappy

Fidelity in Marriage

The Cause of Disease

Temperance in All Things

10.

Our Food and Drink

11.

The Power of Habit

12.

Mental Health

13.

Religion and Health

Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly, No. 277, July-September, 1964. 20 cents a single copy, 75 cents a

year (four issues) ; no additional charge to countries requiring extra postage. Published in the U.S.A.

by Pacific Press Publishing Association (a corporation of S.D.A.), 1350 Villa Street, Mountain View,

California 94041. Second-class mail privileges authorized at Mountain View, California. Form 3579

requested, when a change of address is desired, please be sure to send both old and new addresses.

Association

Printed in U.S.A.

Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly

THE CHRISTIAN HOME AND HEALTHFUL LIVING

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

The title for the quarter's lessons, "The

Christian Home and Healthful Living," sug-

gests that two separate topics will be con-

sidered in the same time period. But these

topics are not separate and distinct. They

are interrelated. They are parts of the great

scheme for living successfully.

In order for a human being to live suc-

cessfully he must make progress and reach

attainments in all four areas of human

activity: the spiritual, the mental, the social,

and the physical. Home life, in which all

phases of living have their source, provides

an ideal setting for a harmonious blending

of spiritual ideals, mental attainments, social

graces, and physical adequacy.

"Society is composed of families, and is

what the heads of families make it. Out

of the heart are 'the issues of life;' and the

heart of the community, of the church,

and of the nation is the houshold. The

well-being of society, the success of the

church, the prosperity of the nation, de-

pend upon home influences."—The

Advent-

ist Home,

page 15.

Texts listed with the initials N.E.B. are

quotations from the New English Bible.

University Press and the Syndics of the

Cambridge University Press, 1961. Used by

permission of the Oxford University Press,

Inc., New York City.

Texts quoted from Moffatt are from: The

Moffatt Bible:

A New Translation,

James Moffatt. Copyright by James Mof-

fatt, 1954, reprinted by permission of

Harper & Row, Publishers, Inc., New York

City.

Lesson 1, for July 4, 1964

Marriage, Its Divine Origin and Purpose

MEMORY VERSE:

"Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favor

of the Lord." Prov. 18:22.

STUDY HELPS:

"The Ministry of Healing," pages 356-362; "The Adventist Home,"

pages 25-28; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary;" "S.D.A. Bible Dictionary."

AIM:

To provide insight into God's purpose in establishing the family as the unit

for successful living.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD

Check Here

Sabbath afternoon: General survey.

❑

Check Here

Wednesday: Questions 10-13; read

Sunday:



Questions 1-3.

❑

further from study helps.

❑

Monday: Questions 4-6; begin

Thursday:



Finish reading study

reading study helps.

❑

helps.

❑

Tuesday: Questions 7-9.



Friday: Review entire lesson.



❑

]

Lesson Outline:



III. A Sacred Relationship

Kindred beliefs essential. Gen. 27:

46; 28:1; 1 Cor. 7:39, last part;

2 Cor. 6:14.

An honorable relationship. Heb. 13:

4, first part.

To endure for life. Rom. 7:2; Matt.

19:6, last part.

IV. Foundation for Family Life

10.

God's instruction to be fruitful.

Gen. 1:28, first part.

11.

The first loyalty. Gen. 2:24; Mark

10:6, 7.

12.

Close relationship between husband

and wife. Mark 10:8, 9.

13.

Gratefulness and thankfulness en-

joined. Prov. 18:22; 19:14.

Introduction

Divinely Ordained

For human companionship. Gen.

2:18.

In Garden of Eden. Gen. 2:21-24.

Approved by Jesus. John 2:1, 2.

H. To Bring Happiness

A joyful life. Prov. 5:18.

Bible example of a happy marriage.

Gen. 24:67.

God's guidance and bride's wishes,

two factors for happiness. Gen. 24:

50 (first part), 58.

THE LESSON

habitant of a perfect world. But it was not

His purpose that man should live in soli-

tude...

"God Himself gave Adam a companion.

He provided 'an help meet for him'-a

helper corresponding to him-one who was

fitted to be his companion, and who could

be one with him in love and sympathy."-

The Adventist Home,

page 25.

2. By whom and when was the in-

stitution of marriage ordained? Gen.

2:21-24.

Introduction

We say it is "natural" for two young

people in love to look forward to the time

when they can unite their lives in marriage.

The reason it is natural is that God or-

dained it so and implanted in each human

personality the craving for affection and

loyalty from someone of the other sex.

There are certain primary reasons why

this divinely implanted desire for marriage

and family life is for the best interest of

human beings. First, God planned that

marriage should bring happiness-deep,

wholesome joy and satisfaction. Second,

God designed that marriage, properly con-

summated and maintained in its intended

sanctity, should contribute to the stability

of the characters of the husband and wife.

Third, God ordained that marriage, serv-

ing as the foundation of home life, should

provide the proper environment for the

birth, development, and training of the

members of the next generation.

Divinely Ordained

1. What is the divine plan for meet-

ing the human need for personal

companionship? Gen. 2:18.

NoTE.-"The Lord was pleased with this

last and noblest of all His creatures, and

designed that he should be the perfect in-

NOTE.-"Then

[at creation] marriage and

the Sabbath had their origin, twin institu-

tions for the glory of God in the benefit of

humanity. Then, as the Creator joined the

hands of the holy pair in wedlock, saying,

A man shall 'leave his father and his

mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and

they shall be one,' He enunciated the law

of marriage for all the children of Adam

to the close of time. That which the eternal

Father Himself had pronounced good was

the law of highest blessing and development

for man."-The

Adventist Home,

page 341.

"All who enter into matrimonial rela-

tions with a holy purpose-the husband to

obtain the pure affections of a woman's

heart, the wife to soften and improve her

husband's character and give it complete-

ness-fulfill God's purpose for them."-

Ibid.,

p. 99.

[ 4 ]

Early in His earthly ministry

how did Jesus indicate His approval

of marriage and of, the customary

manner of instituting the marriage re-

lationship? John 2:1, 2.

NorE.—"There was to be a marriage in

Cana of Galilee. The parties were relatives

of Joseph and Mary. Christ knew of this

family gathering, and that many influential

persons would be brought together there, so,

in company with His newly made disciples,

He made His way to Cana. As soon as it

was known that Jesus had come to the

place, a special invitation was sent to Him

and His friends."—Ellen G. White,

My Life

Today,

page 186.

"[Christ] sanctioned marriage, recogniz-

ing it as an institution that He Himself had

established."—The

Ministry of Healing,

page 356.

To Bring Happiness

What attitude should a husband

(or wife) assume toward marriage?

Prov. 5:18.

NoTE.—"If marriage remains a sharing,

if there is always a mutual desire to please,

the passing years will but deepen and

strengthen the joys of companionship."—

S.D.A.

Bible Commentary,

on Prov. 5:18.

"Human love can never bear its precious

fruit until it is united with the divine nature

and trained to grow heavenward. Jesus

wants to see happy marriages, happy fire-

sides."—The

Adventist Home,

page 99.

What is one classic Bible ex-

ample of a happy marriage? Gen.

24:67.

NOTE.—"And the result of that marriage

[Isaac and Rebekah's], as presented in the

Scriptures, is a tender and beautiful picture

of domestic

happiness."—Patriarchs and

Prophets,

page 175.

What two factors that contribute

to successful marriage were evident in

the marriage arrangement of Isaac

and Rebekah? Gen. 24:50 (first

part), 58.

No1E.—"What a contrast between the

course of Isaac and that pursued by the

youth of our time, even among professed

Christians! Young people too often feel

that the bestowal of their affections is a

matter in which self alone should be con-

sulted—a matter that neither God nor their

parents should in any wise control. Long

before they have reached manhood or

womanhood they think themselves compe-

tent to make their own choice, without the

aid of their parents. A few years of mar-

ried life are usually sufficient to show them

their error, but often too late to prevent its

baleful results. For the same lack of wis-

dom and self-control that dictated the

hasty choice is permitted to aggravate the

evil, until the marriage relation becomes a

galling yoke. Many have thus wrecked

their happiness in this life and their hope

of the life to

come."—Patriarchs and Proph-

ets,

page 175.

A Sacred Relationship

What is a most important con-

sideration when marriage is contem-

plated? Gen. 27:46; 28:1; 1 Cor. 7:39

(last part); 2 Cor. 6:14.

NOTE.—"A wife is bound to her husband

as long as he lives. But if the husband die,

she is free to marry whom she will, pro-

vided the marriage is within the Lord's

fellowship." 1 Cor. 7:39, N.E.B.

Occasionally a Seventh-day Adventist en-

gaged to marry a member of another de-

nomination (Roman Catholic, Baptist,

Lutheran, etc.) is heard to say, "I am not

uniting with an unbeliever, with a person

who is an infidel or an atheist. I am

marrying one who believes in God, one

who believes in Christ, the Bible, and in

some other things that we accept." Thus

is raised the question, Who is an unbeliever?

In an inspired message given by Ellen G.

White to a Seventh-day Adventist woman

who was about to unite in wedlock with

a man not of our faith, she was told:

"Though the companion of your choice

]

were in all other respects worthy (which he

is not), yet he has not accepted the truth

for this time; he is an unbeliever, and you

are forbidden of Heaven to unite yourself

with him. You cannot, without peril to

your soul, disregard this divine injunction."

—Testimonies, vol.

5, p. 364.

In contrast to worldly senti-

ments, what is the Christian appraisal

of marriage? Heb. 13:4, first part.

NoTE.—The first part of Hebrews 13:4

may be translated either "marriage is hon-

orable in all," or "let marriage be honor-

able in all." The fact that this clause stands

in a series of exhortations tends to favor

the latter translation. The counsel, "Let

marriage be honorable in all," is certainly

appropriate in an age of moral laxness and

infidelity. Interestingly, the New English

Bible gives both ideas in its translation of

the one clause in the Greek: "Marriage is

honorable; let us all keep it so."

Since marriage is ordained by

God, how long should it endure?

Rom. 7:2; Matt. 19:6, last part.

NoTE.—"For I detest divorce and cruelty

to a wife, the Lord of hosts, the God of

Israel, declares. Take heed then to your-

selves, never be faithless." Mal. 2:16, Mof-

fatt.

Foundation for Family Life

10.

What command did God give

to Adam and Eve in regard to the

rearing of a family? Gen. 1:28, first

part.

NoTE.—"[God] ordained that men and

women should be united in holy wedlock,

to rear families whose members, crowned

with honor, should be recognized as mem-

bers of the family above."—The

Adventist

Home,

page 99.

11.

Which takes priority, the re-

lationship between husband and wife

or the relationship between the mar-

ried parties and their parents? Gen.

2:24; Mark 10:6, 7.

NOTE.—"The family tie is the closest, the

most tender and sacred, of any on earth.

It was designed to be a blessing to man-

kind. And it is a blessing wherever the

marriage covenant is entered into intelli-

gently, in the fear of God, and with due

consideration for its responsibilities."—The

Ministry of Healing,

pages 356, 357.

12.

How closely should the bond

of marriage draw a husband and wife

to each other? Mark 10:8, 9.

NOTE.—"Eve was created from a rib

taken from the side of Adam, signifying

that she was not to control him as the

head, nor to be trampled under his feet as

an inferior, but to stand by his side as an

equal, to be loved and protected by him.

A part of man, bone of his bone, and flesh

of his flesh, she was his second self; show-

ing the close union and the affectionate at-

tachment that should exist in this relation."

—The Adventist Home,

page 25.

13.

For whom should the happy

husband be grateful? To whom

should he give thanks? Prov. 18:22;

19:14.

NOTE.—"Your companionship in the mar-

riage relation should be close and tender,

holy and elevated, breathing a spiritual

power into your lives, that you may be

everything to each other that God's Word

requires. When you reach the condition

that the Lord desires you to reach, you will

find heaven below and God in your life."

—The Adventist Home,

page 112.

Questions for Meditation

1. Recognizing that one of the goals of

marriage is to bring happiness, where should

the Christian draw the line between per-

sonal gratification and ministry to the wel-

fare of the other family members?



2. How can modern Christian young peo-



3. What are the conditions under which a



ple know the Lord's will in their selection



Christian husband and wife can expect the



of life partners as surely as Isaac and Re-



Lord to bless their marriage and their

bekah recognized the Lord's leading in their home?

marriage?

Lesson 2, for July 11, 1964

Comradeship at Home

MEMORY VERSE:

"[Love] doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is

not easily provoked, thinketh no evil." 1 Cor. 13:5.

STUDY HELPS:

"The Adventist Home," pages 83-86, 105-120; "S.D.A. Bible Com-

mentary;" "S.D.A. Bible Dictionary."

AIM:

To discover the fundamentals by which Christian husbands and wives, par-

ents and children, may enjoy the high degree of happiness in homelife that

God intends.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD

Check Here

Sabbath afternoon: General survey.

❑

Sunday: Questions 1-4.



❑

Monday: Questions 5-7; begin

reading study helps.

Tuesday: Questions 8-10.

Check Here

Wednesday: Questions 11, 12; Read

further from study helps.



❑

Thursday: Finish reading study

helps.



❑

Friday: Review entire lesson.



❑

Lesson Outline:

Introduction

I. Requisites for compatibility

Love, the prime requisite to happi-

ness. Col. 3:19; Eph. 5:25.

Agreement, the basis for harmony.

Amos 3:3.

Personal purity and morality.

1 Thess. 4:3-5; Prov. 31:10-12.

Skill in household arts. Prov. 31:

13-17; Titus 2:4, 5.

II. Deference to Each Other

5. Husbands to show honor to their

wives. 1 Peter 3:7.

Love and esteem for others es-

sential. Rom. 12:10; Phil. 2:3.

Characteristics of true love.

1 Cor. 13:4-6.

111.

Preserving the Individuality

The husband, the head of the fam-

ily. 1 Peter 3 : 1, 6.

Submission and love. Col. 3:18, 19.

10.

Husband to regard wife's welfare

as his own. Eph. 5:25, 28, 33.

IV. Christian Homemaking

11.

The rearing of children. Eph. 6:4.

12.

Unity in the joys and burdens of

the home. 1 Cor. 13:7, 8, first part.

THE LESSON

lating themselves to one another as mem-

bers of the family of God. Then their lives

will be of such a character as to give to the

world an object lesson of what families

who love God and keep His commandments

[11

Introduction

"God would have

our families symbols

the

family in heaven. Let parents and

children bear this in mind every day, re-

may be. Christ will be glorified; His peace

and grace and love will pervade the family

circle like a precious perfume. . . .

"Every home should be a place of love,

a place where the angels of God abide,

working with softening, subduing influence

upon the hearts of parents and children."

—The Adventist Home,

pages 17-19.

Requisites for Compatibility

What emotion is the first requi-

site to happiness in marriage? Col.

3:19; Eph. 5:25. Compare Gen.

24:67.

NOTE.—"There are many who regard the

expression of love as a weakness, and they

maintain a reserve that repels others. This

spirit checks the current of sympathy. As

the social and generous impulses are re-

pressed, they wither, and the heart becomes

desolate and cold. We should beware of

this error. Love cannot long exist without

expression. Let not the heart of one con-

nected with you starve for the want of

kindness and sympathy."—The

Ministry of

Healing,

page 360.

"Let each give love rather than exact it.

Cultivate that which is noblest in your-

selves, and be quick to recognize the good

qualities in each other. The consciousness

of being appreciated is a wonderful stimulus

and satisfaction. Sympathy and respect en-

courage the striving after excellence, and

love itself increases as it stimulates to

nobler aims."—/bid., p. 361.

What is the basis for harmony

when two people "walk together"?

Amos 3:3.

Ncrrn.—"No one who fears God can with-

out danger connect himself with one who

fears Him not. 'Can two walk together,

except they be agreed?' Amos 3:3. The

happiness and prosperity of the marriage

relation depends upon the unity of the

parties; but between the believer and the

unbeliever there is a radical difference of

tastes, inclinations, and purposes. They are

serving two masters, between whom there

can be no concord. However pure and

correct one's principles may be, the in-

fluence of an unbelieving companion will

have a tendency to lead away from God."

—Patriarchs and Prophets,

page 174.

What qualities of character are

necessary to the success of a marriage?

1 Thess. 4:3-5; Prov. 31:10-12.

NOTE.—"In all the deportment of one

who possesses true love, the grace of God

will be shown. Modesty, simplicity, sin-

cerity, morality, and religion will char-

acterize every step toward an alliance in

marriage."—Messages to Young People,

page 459.

"Let a young woman accept as a life

companion only one who possesses pure,

manly traits of character, one who is dili-

gent, aspiring, and honest, one who loves

and fears God. Let a young man seek one

to stand by his side who is fitted to bear

her share of life's burdens, one whose in-

fluence will ennoble and refine him, and

who will make him happy in her love."—

The Ministry of Healing,

page 359.

What qualities and skills con-

tribute significantly to the success and

happiness of marriage? Prov. 31:13-

17; Titus 2:4, 5.

NOTE.—"Married life is not all romance;

it has its real difficulties and its homely

details. The wife must not consider herself

a doll, to be tended, but a woman; one to

put her shoulder under real, not imaginary,

burdens, and live an understanding,

thoughtful life, considering that there arc

other things to be thought of than herself."

—The Adventist Home,

pages 110, 111.

"In life's toilsome way let the husband

and father 'lead on softly,' as the compan-

ion of his journey is able to endure. Amidst

the world's eager rush for wealth and

power, let him learn to stay his steps, to

comfort and support the one who is called

to walk by his side."—The

Ministry of

Healing,

page 374.

Deference to Each Other

What attitude should the Chris-

tian husband maintain toward his

wife? 1 Peter 3:7.

[ 8 ]

NOTE.—"Study to advance the happiness

of each other. Let there be mutual love,

mutual forbearance. Then marriage, instead

of being the end of love, will be as it were

the very beginning of love. The warmth

of true friendship, the love that binds heart

to heart, is a foretaste of the joys of

heaven."—The

Ministry of Healing,

page

360.

What general Christian princi-

ple should husband and wife bear in

mind in their relations with each

other? Rom. 12:10; Phil. 2:3.

NOTE.—"Love is a plant of heavenly

origin. It is not unreasonable; it is not

blind. It is pure and holy. But the passion

of the natural heart is another thing al-

together. While pure love will take God

into all its plans, and will be in perfect

harmony with the Spirit of God, passion

will be headstrong, rash, unreasonable, de-

fiant of all restraint, and will make the

object of its choice an

idol."—Messages to

Young People,

page 459.

What are the characteristics of

true love? 1 Cor. 13:4-6.

NOTE.—"Much may be gained by self-

discipline in the home. . . . Let each make

life as pleasant as possible for the other.

Cultivate respect in the speech. Preserve

unity and love. Satan will have no power

over those who fully control themselves in

the home.

"We must have the Spirit of God, or we

can never have harmony in the home.. . .

We cannot cherish home affection with too

much care; for the home, if the Spirit of

the Lord dwells there, is a type of heaven.

. . . Everything that would tend to mar

the peace and unity of the family circle

must be repressed. Kindness and love, the

spirit of tenderness and forbearance, will be

cherished. If one errs, the other will exer-

cise Christlike forbearance."—My

Life To-

day,

page 84.

Preserving the Individuality

Which one of the marital part-

ners is to take the initiative in the

affairs of the family? 1 Peter 3:1, 6.

NOTE.—"The Lord has constituted the

husband the head of the wife to be her

protector; he is the house-band of the

family, binding the members together, even

as Christ is the Head of the church and

the Saviour of the mystical body. Let every

husband who claims to love God carefully

study the requirements of God in his posi-

tion. Christ's authority is exercised in wis-

dom, in all kindness and gentleness; so let

the husband exercise his power and imitate

the great Head of the church."—The

Ad-

ventist Home,

page 215.

What balanced statements make

it clear that a Christian husband

should not take unfair advantage of

his status as head of the house? Col.

3:18, 19.

NOTE.—"In your life union your affec-

tions are to be tributary to each other's

happiness. Each is to minister to the hap-

piness of the other. This is the will of God

concerning you. But while you are to

blend as one, neither of you is to lose his

or her individuality in the other. God is

the owner of your individuality. Of Him

you are to ask: What is right? What is

wrong? How may I best fulfill the purpose

of my creation?"—The

Adventist Home,

page 103.

"Neither the husband nor the wife should

attempt to exercise over the other an arbi-

trary control. Do not try to compel each

other to yield to your wishes. You cannot

do this and retain each other's love. Be

kind, patient, and forebearing, considerate,

and courteous."—The

Ministry of Healing,

page 361.

10.

What counsel indicates that the

wife is not to be downtrodden by her

husband? Eph. 5:25, 28, 33.

NOTE.—"Woman should fill the position

which God originally designed for her, as

her husband's equal."—The

Adventist

Home,

page 231.

Christian Homemaking

11.

How should the spirit of kindly

consideration in the Christian home

overflow to the children? Eph. 6:4.

[ 9 ]

NOTE.—"Fathers and mothers, you have

a solemn work to do. The eternal salva-

tion of your children depends upon your

course of action. How will you successfully

educate your children? Not by scolding,

for it will do no good. Talk to your chil-

dren as if you had confidence in their in-

telligence. Deal with them kindly, tenderly,

lovingly. Tell them what God would have

them do. Tell them that God would have

them educated and trained to be laborers

together with Him. When you act your

part, you can trust the Lord to act His

part."—Child Guidance,

page 33.

12. What degree of compatibility is

it possible for Christians to attain?

1 Cor. 13:7, 8, first part.

NOTE.—"The heart in which love rules

will not be filled with passion or revenge,

by injuries which pride and self-love would

deem unbearable. Love is unsuspecting,

ever placing the most favorable construc-

tion upon the motives and acts of others.

Love will never needlessly expose the faults

of others. It does not listen eagerly to un-

favorable reports, but rather seeks to bring

to mind some good qualities of the one de-

famed."—T estmonies, vol. 5,

pp. 168, 169.

Questions for Meditation

Is "love" for each other, even though

other requisites for compatibility may be

lacking, a sufficient foundation on which

to build a marriage?

How can a Christian husband and wife

avoid unhappiness in their home when they

have sincere convictions which do not

harmonize?

To what extent should a Christian

husband and wife be forgiving of each

other's shortcomings?

Lesson 3, for July 18, 1964

The Privilege of Parenthood

MEMORY VERSE:

"Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the

womb is His reward." Ps. 127:3.

STUDY HELPS:

"The Adventist Home," pages 159-161, 172-174; "The Ministry of

Healing," pages 349-355, 371-378; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary;" "S.D.A. Bible

Dictionary."

AIM:

To help us become better acquainted with God's counsel to parents.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD

Check Here

Sabbath afternoon: General survey.

❑

Sunday: Questions 1-4.



❑

Monday: Questions 5-8.



❑

Tuesday: Questions 9, 10; begin

reading study helps.



❑

Check Here

Wednesday: Questions 11-13; read

further from study helps.



❑

Thursday: Finish reading study

helps.



❑

Friday: Review entire lesson.

Lesson Outline:

Introduction

I. Parenthood Is Divinely Ordained

The human race was to be per-

petuated through parenthood. Gen.

1:28; 3:20.

The divine element in parenthood.

Gen. 33:5, last part.

(101

Isaac and Rebekah's childless years.

Gen. 25:20 (first part), 26, last

part.

Isaac's entreaty for a child. Gen.

25:21.

Parents Mold the Character

The mother's influence on her un-

born child. Judges 13:2-4, 11-14.

Character training to begin at birth.

Luke 1:15.

Timothy, a product of godly train-

ing. 2 Tim. 1:5.

The captive maid, an illustration of

religious training at home. 2 Kings

5:1-3.

III. Parenthood Brings Spiritual

Rewards

Enoch's experience. Gen. 5:21, 22.

10.

Father-son relationship of Abraham

and Isaac. Gen. 22:6-9.

IV. Parenthood Carries Responsibilities

11.

Father to provide for his house-

hold. 1 Tim. 5:8.

12.

Children, a heritage of the Lord.

Ps. 127:3.

13.

Parental responsibility to be

respected. Ex. 20:12; Eph. 6:1, 2.

THE LESSON

Introduction

Just as a single person's happiness may

be increased by marriage, so the happiness

of a man and wife may be increased by

sharing their blessings with children. A

husband's love for his wife becomes broader

and fuller as she becomes the mother of

his children. A wife's appreciation of her

husband is similarly expanded as he as-

sumes the added responsibilities of being

a father. Ideally, parenthood will help to

emancipate a husband and wife from their

personal self-centeredness. It provides a

common interest—a united undertaking.

Parenthood offers a worthy incentive for

one's best personal efforts; for the mother

to make a comfortable, pleasant home and

to set an example of purity and nobility;

for the father to be deserving of his chil-

dren's honor and to provide a demonstra-

tion of personal loyalty. The birth of a

child inspires a new appreciation of God's

creative power. As the child grows, parent-

hood provides a new basis for knowing God

and His dealings with His human children,

a new understanding of such attributes as

kindness, forebearance, and forgiveness.

Parenthood sobers the parents' outlook with

the recognition that they are responsible

for bringing this child into the world; they

are also responsible for the present and

eternal welfare of this life which God has

entrusted to them.

Parenthood Is Divinely Ordained

1. By what means did God plan

to perpetuate the human race? Gen.

1:28; 3:20.

Whom did the patriarch Jacob

recognize as the One who had given

him children? Gen. 33:5, last part.

NOTE.--"Children derive life and being

from their parents, and yet it is through the

creative power of God that your children

have life, for God is the Life-giver. Let it

be remembered that children are not to be

treated as though they were our own per-

sonal property. Children are the heritage of

the Lord, and the plan of redemption in-

cludes their salvation as well as ours. They

have been entrusted to parents in order

that they might be brought up in the nur-

ture and admonition of the Lord, that they

might be qualified to do their work in time

and eternity."—The

Adventist Home,

page

280.

How long after their marriage

did Isaac and Rebekah remain child-

less? Gen. 25:20 (first part), 26, last

part.

How earnest was Isaac in his de-

sire that he and Rebekah might have

children? Gen. 25:21.

Parents Mold the Character

In what divine revelation do we

have evidence that an expectant moth-

er's ways of living have an important

influence on the child? Judges 13:

2-4, 11-14.

"Children are the heritage of

the Lord, and we are answer-

able to Him for our manage-

ment of His property."—Th

Adventist Home,

page 159.

NOTE.—"Both parents transmit their own

characteristics, mental and physical, their

dispositions and appetites, to their children.

As the result of parental intemperance chil-

dren often lack physical strength and

mental and moral power. Liquor drinkers

and tobacco users may, and do, transmit

their insatiable craving, their inflamed

blood and irritable nerves, to their chil-

dren. The licentious often bequeathe their

unholy desires, and even loathsome diseases,

as a legacy to their offspring. And as the

children have less power to resist tempta-

tion than had the parents, the tendency is

for each generation to fall lower and lower.

To a great degree parents are responsible

not only for the violent passions and per-

verted appetites of their children but for

the infirmities of the thousands born deaf,

blind, diseased, or

idiotic."—Patriarchs and

Prophets,

page 561.

How early in the life of John

the Baptist was the foundation laid

for his future spiritual status? Luke

1:15.

NOTE.—"Even the babe in its mother's

arms may dwell as under the shadow of the

Almighty through the faith of the praying

mother. John the Baptist was filled with

the Holy Spirit from his birth. If we will

live in communion with God, we too may

expect the divine Spirit to mold our little

ones, even from their earliest moments."—

The Desire of Ages,

page 512.

"Many whom God would use as His in-

struments have been disqualified at their

birth by the previous wrong habits of their

parents."—Ellen G. White Comments,

S.D.A Bible Commentary, vol.

2, p. 1005.

What New Testament example

do we find of the spiritual benefits a

child may receive from a godly par-

ent? 2 Tim. 1:5.

NOTE.—"The faith of his [Timothy's]

mother and his grandmother in the sacred

oracles was to him a constant reminder of

the blessing in doing God's will. The Word

of God was the rule by which these two

godly women had guided Timothy. The

spiritual power of the lessons that he had

received from them kept him pure in speech

and unsullied by the evil influences with

which he was surrounded. Thus his home

instructors had cooperated with God in pre-

paring him to bear burdens."—The

Acts of

the Apostles,

page 203.

From what may we infer that

the parents of the captive maid had

given their daughter religious train-

ing? 2 Kings 5:1-3.

NOTE.—"The conduct of the captive

maid, the way that she bore herself in that

heathen home, is a strong witness to the

power of early home training. There is no

higher trust than that committed to fa-

thers and mothers in the care and training

of their children. Parents have to do with

the very foundations of habit and char-

acter. By their example and teaching, the

future of their children is largely decided."

—Prophets and Kings,

page 245.

Parenthood Brings Spiritual

Rewards

After the birth of his first child,

what experience came to Enoch? Gen.

5:21, 22.

NOTE.—"After the birth of his first son,

Enoch reached a higher experience; he was

drawn into a closer relationship with God.

He realized more fully his own obligations

and responsibility as a son of God. And as

he saw the child's love for its father, its

simple trust in his protection; as he felt

the deep, yearning tenderness of his own

heart for that first-born son, he learned a

precious lesson of the wonderful love of

God to men in the gift of His Son, and

the confidence which the children of God

may repose in their heavenly Father."—The

Adventist Home,

page 160.

[ 12 ]

10.

What great test involving fa-

ther-son relationships came to Abra-

ham? Gen. 22:6-9.

NOTE.—"Isaac had been trained from

childhood to ready, trusting obedience, and

as the purpose of God was opened before

him, he yielded a willing submission. He

was a sharer in Abraham's faith, and he

felt that he was honored in being called to

give his life as an offering to God. He

tenderly seeks to lighten the father's grief,

and encourages his nerveless hands to bind

the cords that confine him to the altar."—

Patriarchs and Prophets,

page 152.

"The agony which he [Abraham] en-

dured during the dark days of that fearful

trial was permitted that he might under-

stand from his own experience something

of the greatness of the sacrifice made by

the infinite God for man's redemption."—

Ibid.,

p. 154.

Parenthood Carries Responsibilities

11.

What is a parent's responsibil-

ity for the material welfare of his

family? 1 Tim. 5:8.

12.

According to the psalmist, what

are children declared to be? Ps. 127:3.

NOTE.—"Children are the heritage of the

Lord, and we are answerable to Him for

our management of His property. . . . In

love, faith, and prayer let parents work

for their households, until with joy they

can come to God saying, 'Behold, I and the

children whom the Lord hath given me.'"

—The Adventist Home,

page 159.

13.

What is enjoined upon chil-

dren in the fifth commandment? Ex.

20:12; Eph. 6:1, 2.

NOTE.—"Parents are entitled to a degree

of love and respect which is due to no

other person. God Himself, who has placed

upon them a responsibility for the souls

committed to their charge, has ordained

that during the earlier years of life, parents

shall stand in the place of God to their

children."—Patriarchs and Prophets,

page

308.

Questions for Meditation

NOTE.—"He [God] did not intend that

your powers should rust by inaction, but

that they should strengthen by use.

"The religion you profess makes it as

much your duty to employ your time dur-

ing the six working days as to attend church

on the

Sabbath."—Testimonies, vol.

5, p.

179.

How much, if any, of a child's even-

tual desire to serve God is inherited?

How do father and mother share the

responsibility in the training of children?

What can be done for the spiritual

development of a child born into a home

where one parent is an unbeliever?

Lesson 4, for July 25, 1964

The Training of Children

MEMORY VERSE:

"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old,

he will not depart from it." Prov. 22:6.

STUDY HELPS:

"The Adventist Home," pages 305-316; "Child Guidance," pages

26-28, 79-96; "The Ministry of Healing," pages 379, 380, 388-394; "S.D.A.

Bible Commentary;" "S.D.A. Bible Dictionary."

AIM:

To help parents to know how to guide their children in character building.

[13]

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD

Check Here

Sabbath afternoon: General

survey.

❑

Sunday: Questions 1-4.



❑

Monday: Questions 5-8.



❑

Tuesday: Questions 9-11; begin

reading study helps.



❑

Check Here

Wednesday: Questions

12,

13; read

further from study helps.



❑

Thursday: Finish reading study

helps.

Friday: Review entire lesson.

Lesson Outline:

Introduction

I. Examples, Child Training Pays

Joseph. Gen. 39:9, last part.

Moses. Ex. 2:8-10; Heb. 11:24-27.

Samuel, circumstances of his birth

and early childhood. 1 Sam. 1:1, 2,

6, 24, 25 ; 2:11, 12.

Samuel triumphed over hindering

circumstances. 1 Sam. 1:22, 24, 25;

2:18, 19, 26.

II. Children to Learn God's Word

Abraham commended for training

of his children. Gen. 18:19.

Israel instructed to teach religion in

the home. Deut. 6:4-7.

God's own Son entrusted to a hu-

man family. Luke 1:26, 27, 30-33.

S. Evidence of Jesus' having learned

the Scriptures in His youth. Luke

2:40, 46, 47, 51, 52; Matt. 4:4, 7, 10.

III. Fundamentals of Child Training

Solomon recommends punishment

as preferable to indulgence. Prov.

13:24; 19:18; 22:15.

10.

Fathers cautioned not to provoke

their children. Col. 3:21.

11.

Children to be brought up in nur-

ture and admonition of the Lord.

Eph. 6:4.

IV. Rewards of Parenthood

12.

A faithful mother's reward. Prov.

31:28.

13.

Promise to faithful parents. Pro \

22:6.

THE LESSON

Introduction

A child enters life as a helpless babe. His

powers of discretion are undeveloped. He

is unable to exercise judgment. He cannot

profit by experience, for as yet he has had

no experience.

It is the duty of parents, therefore, to

transfer to the child the benefits of their

experience and to coach him patiently in the

exercise of judgment and the making of

wise decisions.

The success of government within a home

depends on the greater wisdom of the par-

ents as compared with the children. When

parent have a realization of their responsi-

bility to God, then God, who is all-wise,

becomes the highest authority in the home.

The established line of authority, then, is

from God, through the parents, to the chil-

dren. Individual liberties can be exercised

so long as they are in harmony with the

regulations: first, divine law; and second,

the rules of the home.

Examples, Child Training Pays

1. What clear recognition of right

and wrong did Joseph manifest when

faced with a great temptation? Gen

39:9, last part.

NOTE.—"[Joseph] listened to his father's

instructions, and loved to obey God."—

Patriarchs and Prophets,

page 209.

"In his childhood, Joseph had been taught

the love and fear of God. Often in his fa-

[ 14

ther's tent, under the Syrian stars, he had

been told the story of the night vision at

Bethel, of the ladder from heaven to earth,

and the descending and ascending angels,

and of Him who from the throne above re-

vealed Himself to Jacob. He had been told

the story of the conflict beside the Jabbok,

when, renouncing cherished sins, Jacob

stood conquerer, and received the title of

a prince with

God."—Education,

page 52.

Who gave Moses his early train-

ing, and what decision did he make

"when he was come to years"? Ex.

2:8-10; Heb. 11:24-27.

NoTE.—"Younger than Joseph or Daniel

was Moses when removed from the shelter-

ing care of his childhood home; yet al-

ready the same agencies that shaped their

lives had molded his.

Only twelve years

did he spend with his Hebrew kindred;

but

during these years was laid the foundation

of his greatness; it was laid by the hand

of one little known to fame. Jochebed was

a woman and a slave. Her lot in life was

humble, her burden heavy. But through no

other woman, save Mary of Nazareth, has

the world received greater blessing. Know-

ing that her child must soon pass beyond

her care, . . . she sought to implant in his

heart love and loyalty to God. And faith-

fully was the work accomplished."—Educa-

tion, page 61, italics supplied.

What were some of the unfavor-

able circumstances of Samuel's child-

hood? 1 Sam. 1:1, 2, 6, 24, 25;

2:11, 12.

NOTE.—Samuel's father had two wives;

these wives disagreed. When he was still a

mere child Samuel's mother took him to

live at the tabernacle. And the influences

at the tabernacle were wicked.

Even though Hannah was able

to mold the character of her son for

only a few years, how successful was

she in helping Samuel to rise above

the evils of his surroundings? 1 Sam.

1:22, 24, 25; 2:18, 19, 26.

NoTE.—In spite of having to leave home

at a tender age, and in spite of living un-

der the influence of Eli's wicked sons, Sam-

uel came into "favor both with the Lord,

and also with men."

"When Samuel shall receive the crown

of glory, he will wave it in honor befOre

the throne and gladly acknowledge that the

faithful lessons of his mother, through the

merits of Christ, have crowned him with

immortal

glory."—The Adventist Home,

page 536.

Children to Learn God's Word

What is said of Abraham's

management of his home? Gen. 18:19.

NOTE.—"I have chosen him, that he may

charge his children and his household after

him to keep the way of the Lord by doing

righteousness and justice." R.S.V.

"Abraham's affection for his children and

his household led him to guard their re-

ligious faith, to impart to them a knowl-

edge of the divine statutes, as the most

precious legacy he could transmit to them,

and through them to the world. All were

taught that they were under the rule of the

God of heaven. There was to be no op-

pression on the part of parents and no dis-

obedience on the part of children. God's

law had appointed to each his duties, and

only in obedience to it could any secure

happiness or prosperity."—Patriarchs

and

Prophets,

page 142.

What command did Israel re-

ceive regarding religious instruction

in the home? Deut 6:4-7.

NOTE.—"God had commanded the He-

brews to teach their children His require-

ments and to make them acquainted with

all His dealings with their fathers. This

was one of the special duties of every par-

ent—one that was not to be delegated to

another. In the place of stranger lips the

loving hearts of the father and mother were

to give instruction to their children.

Thoughts of God were to be associated with

all the events of daily

life."—Patriarchs and

Prophets,

page 592.

[ 15 ]

To whom did God entrust the

childhood influences of His Son, the

world's Redeemer? Luke 1:26, 27,

30-33.

What brief insight do we have

that Jesus early gained a familiarity

with the Scriptures which later en-

abled Him to withstand Satan's temp-

tations? Luke 2:40, 46, 47, 51, 52;

Matt. 4:4, 7, 10.

NorE.—"His [Jesus'] mother was His first

human teacher. From her lips and from the

scrolls of the prophets, He learned of

heavenly things. The very words which He

Himself had spoken to Moses for Israel

He was now taught at His mother's knee."

—The Desire of Ages,

page 70.

Fundamentals of Child Training

What is Solomon's counsel to

parents in regard to correcting their

children? Prov. 13:24; 19:18; 22:15.

NOTE.—"Prompt and continual obedience

to wise parental rule will promote the hap-

piness of the children themselves as well as

the honor of God and the good of society.

Children should learn that in submission to

the laws of the household is their perfect

liberty. Christians will learn the same les-

son—that in their obedience to God's law

is their perfect freedom."—Ellen G. White,

My Life Today,

page 164.

"Whipping may be necessary when other

resorts fail; yet she [the mother] should

not use the rod if it is possible to avoid

doing so. But if milder measures prove in-

sufficient, punishment that will bring the

child to its senses should in love be ad-

ministered. Frequently one such correction

will be enough for a lifetime, to show the

child that he does not hold the lines of

control."—Counsels to Parents, Teachers,

and Students,

page 116.

10.

What caution are parents to use

in dealing with their children? Col.

3:21.

NoTE.—"Children have rights, they have

preferences, and when these preferences are

reasonable they should be respected."—The

Ministry of Healing,

page 384.

11.

In still another verse which

warns against antagonizing children,

what counsel does Paul give on the

Christian method of child training?

Eph. 6:4.

NOTE.—"Give them the instruction, and

the correction, which belong to a Christian

upbringing."—Eph. 6:4, last part, N.E.B.

"We want a spirit of gentleness. We can-

not live right in the family circle without

it. In order to have the proper control of

our children, we must manifest a spirit of

gentleness and of meekness and of long-

suffering. We do not want to have a fault-

finding, fretful, scolding spirit. If we teach

them to have a spirit of gentleness, we must

have a spirit of gentleness ourselves; . . .

if we would have them manifest a spirit of

love toward us, we must manifest a gentle,

loving spirit toward them. But at the same

time there need be no weakness or unwise

indulgence on the part of parents."—My

Life Today,

page 53.

Rewards of Parenthood

12.

How will children reward a

faithful mother? Prov. 31:28.

NoTE.—"The greatest evidence of the

power of Christianity than can be presented

to the world is a well-ordered, well-disci-

plined family. This will recommend the

truth as nothing else can, for it is a living

witness of its practical power upon the

heart."—The

Adventist Home,

page 32.

13.

What divine assurance of fav-

orable outcome in the lives of their

children is given to the parents who

are diligent in training them? Prov.

22:6.

NoTE.—"Children, when they become of

age, will prize the parent who labored

116

faithfully, and would not permit them to

cherish wrong feelings or indulge in evil

habits."—The

Adventist Home,

page 292.

"With joy unutterable, parents see the

crown, the robe, the harp, given to their

children. The days of hope and fear are

ended. The seed sown with tears and prayers

may have seemed to be sown in vain,

but their harvest is reaped with joy at last.

Their children have been redeemed. Fa-

thers, mothers, shall the voices of your

children swell the song of gladness in that

day

?"—Child Guidance,

page 569.

Questions for Meditation

How early in the child's life should the

parents begin to exercise discipline?

How much is a child's character de-

velopment handicapped as a result of dif-

ferences between his father and mother in

their policies of child training?

What are the criteria by which a

child's growing ability to act wisely may be

judged ?

Is a parent responsible for the mis-

takes made by his grown child?

Lesson 5, for August 1, 1964

Guiding Our Young People

MEMORY VERSE:

"Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the

evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no

pleasure in them." Eccl.

12:1.

STUDY HELPS:

"The Adventist Home," pages 455-458,

466-471, 512-520,

526-530;

"The Ministry of Healing," pages 395-406; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary;" "S.D.A.

Bible Dictionary."

AIM:

To enable parents to guide their adolescent youth into a mature Christian

experience.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD

Check Here

Sabbath afternoon: General survey.

❑

Sunday: Questions 1-3; begin

reading study helps.

Monday: Questions 4, 5; read

further from study helps.

Check Here

Tuesday: Questions 6-9.

Wednesday: Questions 10-12.



❑

Thursday: Finish reading study

helps.

Friday: Review entire lesson.

Lesson Outline:

Introduction

I. Moral Responsibilities Begin Early

"None of us liveth to himself."

Rom. 14:7, first part.

Solomon warns the youth to "put

away evil." Eccl. 11:9, 10.

Solomon recommends religious ex-

perience for youth. Eccl. 12:1.

II. Examples of Youthful Waywardness

4. Eli held responsible for wayward-

ness of his sons. 1 Sam. 2:12, 29,

34; 3:12, 13.

5. The prodigal remembered his fa-

ther's love. Luke 15:17-20.

III. Genuine Pleasure

Defense against evil. Ps. 119:11;

1:1-3.

Youth should not be enticed by sin-

ners to sin. Prov. 1:10, 15.

The delightful way of life. Ps.

1:1, 2.

Basis for choosing companions.

Ps. 119:63.

[ 17

IV. Respect for Authority

10.

Obedience to parents, civil author-

ity, and God. Eph. 6:1; Matt. 22:

21; Rom. 13:1-7; Acts 5:29.

11.

Disobedience to parents one of the

signs of last days. 2 Tim. 3:1-5.

V. Choice of a Life Partner

12.

Responsibility of parents for right

marriage of their children. Deut.

6:6, 7; 7:3, 4; 8:19.

THE LESSON

NOTE.—"Read

the history of Abraham,

Jacob, and Joseph, of Moses, David, and

Elisha. Study the lives of men of later

times who have most worthily filled posi-

tions of trust and responsibility, the men

whose influence has been most effective

for the world's uplifting. . . .

"They did not spend their youth in

amusement. . . . They learned the lessons

of self-reliance and self-control. . . They

were governed by principle, and they grew

up pure and strong and true. When called

to their lifework, they brought to it physi-

cal and mental power, buoyancy of spirit,

ability to plan and execute, and steadfast-

ness in resistng evil, that made them a posi-

tive power for good in the world."—The

Minstry of Healing,

page 366.

3. What reason is offered the young

for dedicating themselves to God early

in life? Eccl. 12:1.

NOTE.—"The

young should be controlled

by firm principle, that they may rightly im-

prove the powers which God has given

them. . . . Since they cannot always have

the guidance and protection of parents and

guardians they need to be trained to self-

reliance and self-control. They must be

taught to think and act from conscientious

principle."—Testimonies,

vol. 4, pp. 651,

652.

Introduction

"Our homes should be a place of refuge

for the tempted youth. Many there are

who stand at the parting of the ways.

Every influence, every impression, is deter-

mining the choice that shapes their destiny

both here and hereafter. Evil invites them.

Its resorts are made bright and attractive.

They have a welcome for every corner. All

about us are youth who have no home, and

many whose homes have no helpful, up-

lifting power, and the youth drift into evil.

They are going down to ruin within the

very shadow of our own doors.

"These youth need a hand stretched out

to them in sympathy. Kind words simply

spoken, little attentions simply bestowed,

will sweep away the clouds of temptation

which gather over the soul. The true ex-

pression of heaven-born sympathy has

power to open the door of hearts that need

the fragrance of Christlike words, and the

simple, delicate touch of the spirit of

Christ's

love."—The Ministry of Healing,

page 354.

Moral Responsibilities Begin Early

1. What statement by the apostle

Paul may be used to help our youth

to recognize the dangers of worldly

pleasures? Rom. 14:7, first part.

NOTE.—"Worldly

pleasures are infatuat-

ing; and for their momentary enjoyment

many sacrifice the friendship of Heaven,

with the peace, love, and joy that it af-

fords."—My

Life Today,

page 212.

2. What warning and counsel did

Solomon give to the youth who feels

that he is justified in walking in his

own ways while he is young? Eccl.

11:9, 10.

"Success in any line demands

a definite aim. He who

would achieve true success in

life must keep steadily in

view the aim worthy of his

endeavor."—Education,

page

262.

[ 18 ]

Examples of Youthful

Waywardness

Whom did God hold responsible

for the waywardness of the young

men Hophni and Phinehas? 1 Sam.

2:12, 29, 34; 3:12, 13.

NOTE.—"In this age of the world, chil-

dren should have strict watchcare. They

should be advised and restrained. Eli was

cursed of God because he did not promptly

and decidedly restrain his wicked sons. . . .

"Every son and daughter should be called

to account if absent from home at night.

Parents should know what company their

children are in and at whose house they

spend their

evenings."—Testimonies,

vol.

4, p. 651.

What influence prompted the

prodigal son to abandon his godless

way of life? Luke 15:17-20.

Genuine Pleasure

What constitutes part of the de-

fense against evil? Ps. 119:11; 1:1-3.

What precaution must God-fear-

ing youth take in selecting their

recreation? Prov. 1:10, 15.

NOTE.—"You will be invited to attend

places of amusement. . . . If you are true

to Christ then, you will not try to form

excuses for your nonattendance, but will

plainly and modestly declare that you are

a child of God, and your principles would

not allow you to be in a place, even for

one occasion, where you could not invite

the presence of your Lord."—My

Life To-

day,

page 215.

"Christians have many sources of hap-

piness at their command, and they may tell

with unerring accuracy what pleasures are

lawful and right. They may enjoy such

recreations as will not dissipate the mind or

debase the soul, such as will not dissap-

point, and leave a sad afterinfluence to de-

stroy self-respect or bar the way to use-

fulness. If they can take Jesus with them,

and maintain a prayerful spirit, they are

perfectly safe."—/bid., p. 212.

What way of life is followed by

a godly person? Ps. 1:1, 2.

NOTE.—"We believe that it is our privi-

lege every day of our lives to glorify God

upon the earth; that we are not to live in

this world merely for our own amusement,

merely to please ourselves. We are here to

benefit humanity, to be a blessing to so-

ciety."—Testimonies,

vol. 2, p. 587.

What is the proper basis on

which to select companions? Ps.

119:63.

NOTE.—"Those who truly love God will

not cultivate the society of those who do

not love Jesus. They will find that Chris-

tian society and conversation is food to

the soul, that in the society of those who

love God they breathe in the atmosphere

of heaven. Christians will exercise love and

sympathy one for another. The encourage-

ment given one to another, the esteem

manifested one for another, the helps, the

instruction, the reproofs, warnings, the

Christian counsel that should be found

among the followers of Christ will further

them in the spiritual life; for Christian fel-

lowshp is according to God's plan."—My

Life Today,

page 216.

Respect for Authority

10.

How does the Bible encourage

respect for authority? Eph. 6:1; Matt.

22:21; Rom. 13:1-7; Acts 5:29.

NOTE.—"There is no greater curse upon

households than to allow the youth to

have their own way. When parents regard

every wish of their children and indulge

them in what they know is not for their

[ 19

good, the children soon lose all respect for

their parents, all regard for the authority

of God or man, and are led captive at the

will of Satan. The influence of an ill-

regulated family is widespread and disas-

trous to all society. It accumulates in a tide

of evil that affects families, communities,

and governments."—Patriarchs

and Proph-

ets,

page 579.

11.

What practices in modern times

are to be avoided? 2 Tim. 3:1-5.

NoTE.—"It is by the youth and children

of today that the future of society is to

be determined, and what these youth and

children shall be depends upon the home.

To the lack of right home training may be

traced the larger share of the disease and

misery and crime that curse humanity. If

the home life were pure and true, if the

children who went forth from its care were

prepared to meet life's responsibilities and

dangers, what a change would be seen in

the world

!"—The Ministry of Healing,

page 351.

Choice of a Life Partner

12.

What general principle should

parents follow in counseling their

children about marriage? Deut. 6:

6, 7; 7:3, 4; 8:19.

NoTE.—"If there is any subject which

should be carefully considered and in which

the counsel of older and more experienced

persons should be sought, it is the subject

of marriage; if ever the Bible was needed

as a counselor, if ever divine guidance

should be sought in prayer, it is before

taking a step that binds persons together

for life. . . .

"Fathers and mothers should feel that a

duty devolves upon them to guide the af-

fections of the youth, that they may be

placed upon those who will be suitable

companions. They should feel it a duty, by

their own teaching and example, with the

assisting grace of God, to so mold the char-

acter of the children from their earliest

years that they will be pure and noble and

will be attracted to the good and true. Like

attracts like; like appreciates like. Let the

love for truth and purity and goodness be

early implanted in the soul, and the youth

will seek the society of those who possess

these characteristics."—Patriarchs

and

Prophets,

pages 175, 176.

Questions for Meditation

What do you think of the practice of

dedicating a child to some specific lifework,

and then insisting that he follow this plan

irrespective of his own preferences?

To what extent can a parent properly

govern his teen-ager's choice of compan-

ions?

How can parents help their young peo-

ple prepare to be good husbands and wives?

Lesson 6, for August 8, 1964

Factors Involved in Making Homes Happy or Unhappy

MEMORY VERSE:

"Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in

honor preferring one another." Rom. 12:10.

STUDY HELPS:

"The Adventist Home," pages 15-20, 177-180, 190-194, 317-325,

421-429; "The Ministry of Healing," pages 388-394; "S.D.A. Bible Commen-

tary;" "S.D.A. Bible Dictionary."

AIM:

To study the factors that tend to make or break a home.

[ 20 ]

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD

Check Here

Sabbath afternoon: General survey.

❑

Sunday: Questions 1-5.



❑

Monday: Questions 6-8; begin read-

ing study helps.



❑

Tuesday: Questions 9-11; read

Check Here

further from study helps.



❑

Wednesday: Questions 12, 13; read

further from study helps.



❑

Thursday: Finish reading study

helps.

Friday: Review entire lesson.

Lesson Outline:

Introduction

I. Characteristics of a Godly Home

The blessing and protection of God

rest upon it. Prov. 3:33, last part;

12:7, last part.

Members seek perfection of char-

acter. Psalm 101:2.

The members of the family love one

another. John 13:35.

Members serve one another

humbly. Rom. 12:10.

God is not forgotten in days of

prosperity. Deut. 8:10-14.

II. A Place for Devotion, Hospitality,

and Rest

6. Abraham and the family altar.

Gen. 12:7, 8; 13:3, 4.

7. Abraham and hospitality. Gen.

18:1-15.

8. Home to be a place of rest.

Ruth

1:9.

III. Characteristics of an Unhappy

Home

9. Envy and strife prevail. James

3:16.

10. Selfish ambition and jealousy mani-

fested. James 3:13-18.

11. Lack of unity is fatal. Mark 3:25.

IV. Good Homemaking

12. The role of the mother. Titus 2:

4, 5.

13. The role of the father. 1 Tim. 5:8.

14. Make first things first. Luke 10:

38-42.

THE LESSON

Introduction

"Home should be made all that the word

implies. It should be a little heaven upon

earth, a place where the affections are culti-

vated instead of being studiously repressed.

Our happiness depends upon this cultiva-

tion of love, sympathy, and true courtesy

to one another."-The

Adventist Home,

page 15.

Characteristics of a Godly Home

1. What does God promise to do

for the homes of the righteous? Prov.

3:33, last part; 12:7, last part.

NOTE.

-"Men

and women, children and

youth, are measured in the scales of heaven

in accordance with that which they reveal

in their homelife. A Christian in the home

is a Christian everywhere. Religion brought

into the home exerts an influence that can-

not be measured."-Ellen G. White,

Sons

and Daughters of God,

page 255.

2. What high standard did the

psalmist seek to reach in his home?

Ps. 101:2.

NOTE.

-"Affection

cannot be lasting, even

in the home circle, unless there is a con-

formity of the will and disposition to the

1 21 ]

will of God. All the faculties and passions

are to be brought into harmony with the

attributes of Jesus Christ. If the father

and mother in the love and fear of God

unite their interests to have authority in•

the home, they will see the necessity of

much prayer, much sober reflection. And

as they seek God, their eyes will be opened

to see heavenly messengers present to pro-

tect them in answer to the prayer of faith.

They will overcome the weaknesses of their

character and go on unto perfection."—The

Adventist Home,

pages 315, 316.

What identifying trait will be

seen in the lives of members of a

Christian home? John 13:35.

NOTE.—"Love's agencies have wonderful

power, for they are divine. The soft an-

swer that `turneth away wrath,' the love

that `suffereth long, and is kind,' the char-

ity that `covereth a multitude of sins'—

would we learn the lesson, with what power

for healing would our lives be gifted! How

life would be transformed and the earth be-

come a very likeness and foretaste of

heaven! . . .

"Home is to be the center of the purest

and most elevated affection. Peace, har-

mony, affection, and happiness should be

perseveringly cherished every day, until

these precious things abide in the hearts of

those who compose the family."—The

Ad-

ventist Home,

page 195.

What should be the attitude of

the members of the home to one an-

other? Rom. 12:10.

NoTE.—"In many families there is a great

lack of expressing affection one for an-

other. While there is no need of sentimen-

talism, there is need of expressing love and

tenderness in a chaste, pure, dignified way.

Many absolutely cultivate hardness of heart

and in word and action reveal the satanic

side of the character. Tender affection

should ever be cherished between husband

and wife, parents and children, brothers and

sisters.. . .

"Cultivate tenderness, affection, and love

that have expression in little courtesies, in

speech, in thoughtful attentions."—The

Ad-

ventist Home,

page 198.

When are God's children most

often in danger of forgetting Him?

Deut. 8:10-14.

NOTE.—"In the midst of prosperity lurks

danger. Throughout the ages, riches and

honor have ever been attended with peril

to humility and spirituality. It is not the

empty cup that we have difficulty in carry-

ing; it is the cup full to the brim that must

be carefully balanced. Affliction and ad-

versity may cause sorrow, but it is pros-

perity that is most dangerous to spiritual

life. Unless the human subject is in con-

stant submission to the will of God, unless

he is sanctified by the truth, prosperity will

surely arouse the natural inclination to

presumption."—Prophets

and Kings,

pages

59, 60.

A Place for Devotion, Hospitality,

and Rest

What did Abraham always es-

tablish close by his camp, no matter

where he wandered? Gen. 12:7, 8;

13:3, 4.

NOTE.—"The life of Abraham, the friend

of God, was a life of prayer. Wherever he

pitched his tent, close beside it was built an

altar, upon which was offered the morning

and evening sacrifice. . . .

"So the homes of Christians should be

lights in the world. . . . Fathers and moth-

ers, each morning and evening gather your

children around you, and in humble sup-

plication lift your hearts to God for help."

—My Life Today,

page 35.

What Bible story illustrates the

fact that hospitality was practiced in

Abraham's home? Gen. 18:1-15. Com-

pare Heb. 13:2.

NOTE.

—

"God conferred great honor upon

Abraham. Angels of heaven walked and

talked with him as friend with friend.

[22

"Hearts that are filled with

the love of Christ can never

get very far apart. Religion

is love, and a Christian home

is one where love reigns and

finds expression in words and

acts of thoughtful kindness

and gentle courtesy."—The

Adventist Home,

page 94.

When judgments were about to be visited

upon Sodom, the fact was not hidden from

him, and he became an intercessor with

God for sinners. His interview with the

angels presents also a beautiful example

hospitality."—Patriarchs and Prophets,

page 138.

What quality of an ideal home

did Naomi mention when speaking to

her daughters-in-law? Ruth 1:9.

NOTE.—"There are two institutions that

come down to us from Eden: (1) the Sab-

bath, a

time

of 'rest,' when, in a special

way, we dwell upon the evidences of God's

love for us and study how we may more

perfectly express our love toward Him; and

(2) the home, a

place

of 'rest,' where love

for one another should find its truest and

most complete expression. And where love

abides, there is peace."—S.D.A.

Bible Com-

mentary,

on Ruth 3:1.

Characteristics of an Unhappy

Home

What traits are responsible for

much of the misery existing in un-

happy homes? James 3:16.

NoTE.—"By speaking kindly to their chil-

dren and praising them when they try to

do right, parents may encourage their ef-

forts, make them very happy, and throw

around the family circle a charm which

will chase away every dark shadow and

bring cheerful sunlight in. Mutual kind-

ness and forbearance will make home a

paradise and attract holy angels into the

family circle; but they will flee from a

house where there are unpleasant words,

fretfulness, and strife. Unkindness, com-

plaining, and anger shut Jesus from the

dwelling."—The

Adventist Home,

pages

421, 422.

10.

What lies at the root of strife

in the home? James 3:13-18.

NOTE.—"If Christ indeed is formed

within, the hope of glory, there will be

union and love in the home. Christ abid-

ing in the heart of the wife will be at

agreement with Christ abiding in the heart

of the husband. They will be striving to-

gether for the mansions Christ has gone to

prepare for those who love Him. . . . Ten-

der affection should ever be cherished be-

tween husband and wife, parents and chil-

dren, brothers and sisters. . . . It is the

duty of everyone in the family to be pleas-

ant, to speak kindly."—My

Life Today,

page 84.

11.

What fatal weakness brings

ruin to many homes? Mark 3:25.

NOTE.—"Parents should be careful not

to allow the spirit of dissension to creep

into the home; for this is one of Satan's

agents to make his impression on the char-

acter. If parents will strive for unity in the

home by inculcating the principles that

governed the life of Christ, dissension will

be driven out, and unity and love will abide

there."—The

Adventist Home,

page 178.

Good Homemaking

12.

What part will the mother play

in making home a desirable place?

Titus 2:4, 5.

NOTE.—"The king upon his throne has

no higher work than has the mother. The

mother is queen of her household. She has

in her power the molding of her children's

characters, that they may be fitted for the

higher, immortal life. An angel could not

ask for a higher mission; for in doing this

work she is doing service for God."—The

Adventist Home,

pages 231,

232.

13. What responsibility rests on the

father in regard to the needs of the

home? 1 Tim. 5:8.

Nora.—The following counsel was given

to a father regarding his responsibilities to

provide for his family:

"The religion you profess makes it as

much your duty to employ your time dur-

ing the six working days, as to attend

church on the Sabbath. You are not dili-

gent in business. You let hours, days, and

even weeks pass without accomplishing

anything. The very best sermon you could

preach to the world would be to show a

decided reformation in your life, and pro-

vide for your own

family."—Testimonies,

vol. 5,

p. 179.

14. How did Jesus gently point out

the importance of making first things

first in the home? Luke 10:38-42.

Nora.—"The 'one thing' that Martha

needed was a calm, devotional spirit, a

deeper anxiety for knowledge concerning

the future, immortal life, and the graces

necessary for spiritual advancement. She

needed less anxiety for the things which

pass away, and more for those things which

endure forever."—The

Desire of Ages,

page

525.

Questions for Meditation

In what ways can "one well-ordered,

well-disciplined family" tell "more in be-

half of Christianity than all the sermons

that can be preached"?—The

Adventist

Home,

page 32.

In what ways do parents lay the

foundation for the future happiness or un-

happiness of their children?

In what ways do parents help to de-

termine whether religion will be attractive

or repulsive to their children?

Lesson 7, for August 15, 1964

Fidelity in Marriage

MEMORY VERSE:

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things

are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatso-

ever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any

virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Phil. 4:8.

STUDY HELPS:

"The Adventist Home," pages 326-347, 401-409; "S.D.A. Bible Com-

mentary;" "S.D.A. Bible Dictionary."

AIM:

To remind Seventh-day Adventist husbands and wives that God's standard of

fidelity in marriage remains unchanged despite the deteriorating morals of

this final generation.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD

Check Here

Sabbath afternoon: General survey. E

Sunday: Questions 1, 2; begin

reading study helps.



❑

Monday: Questions 3-7.



❑

Tuesday: Questions 8-10.



❑

Check Here

Wednesday: Questions 11-14.



❑

Thursday: Finish reading study

helps.

Friday: Review entire lesson.

[ 24

Lesson Outline:

Introduction

I. Moral Laxness, a Sign of Our Times

Condition of society in last genera-

tion. 2 Tim. 3:1-5.

Cause of immoral conditions in the

world. James 1:14, 15.

II. God's Standard

The seventh commandment. Ex.

20:14, 17.

Sins of licentiousness bar admit-

tance into God's kingdom. 1 Cor.

5:1, 7-10; 6:9-11; Gal. 5:19-21.

Marriage for life. Matt. 19:6.

Fornication the only grounds for

divorce and remarriage. Matt. 5:

31, 32.

7. Both parties responsible for sanctity

of marriage. Prov. 31:10, 11.

III.

Guarding the Avenues to the Soul

8. Job's covenant with his eyes. Job

31:1.

9. Relationship between conversation

and character. Luke 6:45.

10. Relationship between the thought

and the deed. Matt. 5:27, 28; Phil.

4:8.

IV. Self-Discipline

11. Immorality is to be shunned by res-

olute self-discipline. 1 Cor. 6:18.

12. Guard well your heart. Prov. 4:23.

13. "Keep under" the body. 1 Cor.

9:27.

V. Reassurance

14. Hope in Christ, an anchor of the

soul. Heb. 6:18, 19.

THE LESSON

Introduction

"Around every family there is a sacred

circle that should be kept unbroken. Within

this circle no other person has a right to

come. Let not the husband or the wife

permit another to share the confidences that

belong solely to themselves."-The

Ministry

of Healing,

page 361.

Moral Laxness, a Sign of

Our Times

What conditions of worldly so-

ciety did Paul say were to characterize

the generation living just before the

second advent? 2 Tim. 3:1-5. Com-

pare Matt. 24:37-39.

What is the basic cause of the

immoral conditions in the world?

James 1:14, 15. Compare 1 John 2:16.

NOTE.-"As soon as Satan can separate

the soul from God, the only Source of

strength, he will seek to arouse the unholy

desires of man's carnal

nature."-Patriarchs

and Prophets,

pages 717, 718.

"The liberties taken in this age of corrup-

tion should be no criterion for Christ's fol-

lowers. These fashionable exhibitions of

familiarity should not exist among Chris-

tians fitting for immortality. . . . How im-

portant that by their chastity and virtue

they stand in marked contrast to that class

who are controlled by brute passions!"-

The Adventist Home,

page 329.

God's Standard

What principle is emphasized in

the seventh commandment? Ex. 20:

14, 17.

NoTE.-"This commandment [the sev-

enth] forbids not only act of impurity, but

sensual thoughts and desires, or any prac-

tice that tends to excite them. Purity is de-

manded not only in the outward life but

in the secret intents and emotions of the

heart. Christ, who taught the far-reaching

obligation of the law of God, declared the

evil thought or look to be as truly sin as

is the unlawful

deed."-Patriarchs

and

Prophets,

page 308.

E 25 1

What did the apostle Paul say

would be denied to those who prac-

tice licentious sins? 1 Cor. 5:1, 7-10;

6:9-11; Gal. 5:19-21.

No:I:E.—Adultery is not the only sin of

licentiousness that bars the way into the

kingdom of God. Death is the fate that

awaits all who do not repent of and for-

sake such sins. See Hebrews 13:4; Romans

1:26, 27, 32.

"As those who practice these defiling sins

are steadily increasing in the world and

would intrude themselves into our churches,

I warn you to give no place to them. Turn

from the seducer. Though a professed fol-

lower of Christ, he is Satan in the form of

man; he has borrowed the livery of heaven

that he may the better serve his master.

You should not for one moment give place

to an impure, covert suggestion; for even

this will stain the soul, as impure water

defiles the channel through which it passes.

"Choose poverty, reproach, separation

from friends, or any suffering rather than

to defile the soul with sin. Death before

dishonor or the transgression of God's law

should be the motto of every Christian."—

Testimonies,

vol. 5, pp. 146, 147.

What comment made by the

Master indicates that marriage is in-

tended to be for life? Matt. 19:6.

What is the only circumstance

recognized in the Bible under which

divorce and remarriage is not con-

demned? Matt. 5:31, 32.

NOTE.—"A woman may be legally di-

vorced from her husband by the laws of the

land and yet not divorced in the sight of

God and according to the higher law. There

is only one sin, which is adultery, which can

place the husband or wife in

position

where they can be free from the marriage

vow in the sight of God. Although the laws

of the land may grant a divorce, yet they

are husband and wife still in the Bible

light, according to the laws of God."—The

Adventist Home,

page 344.

What qualification of the true

wife indicates that she shares with her

husband the responsibility for pre-

serving the sanctity of their marriage?

Prov. 31:10, 11.

NOTE.—"Shall not the women professing

the truth keep strict guard over themselves,

lest the least encouragement be given to un-

warrantable familiarity? They may close

many a door of temptation if they will ob-

serve at all times strict reserve and pro-

priety of deportment."—The

Adventist

Home,

page 331.

Guarding the Avenues to the Soul

How does Job indicate his rec-

ognition that the sight of the eyes

has its influence on the carnal de-

sires? Job 31:1.

NoTE.—David

Sam. 11:2) fell into sin

by failing to guard well the avenues of his

soul. Unlike Joseph, he failed to repel

temptation at its onset, but let his eyes and

mind dwell on that which was not proper.

"The heart must be garrisoned as was

that of Joseph. Then temptations to de-

part from integrity will be met with de-

cision."—The

Adventist Home,

page 331.

"We have a work to do to resist tempta-

tion. Those who would not fall a prey to

Satan's devices must guard well the ave-

nues of the soul; they must avoid reading,

seeing, or hearing that which will suggest

impure thoughts. The mind should not be

left to wander at random upon every sub-

ject that the adversary of souls may

sug-

gest."—Patriarchs and Prophets,

page 460.

What is the relationship between

conversation and character? Luke

6:45.

NOTE.—"As Christ's ambassador, I en-

treat you who profess present truth to

promptly resent any approach to impurity

and forsake the society of those who

breathe an impure suggestion. Loathe these

defiling sins with the most intense hatred.

Flee from those who would, even in con-

(

261

versation, let the mind run in such a

channel, 'for out of the abundance of the

heart the mouth speaketh.'

"—The Advent-

ist Home,

page 333.

10.

Since the cherished lustful

thought is sin, upon what is the Chris-

tian urged to meditate? Matt. 5:27,

28;

Phil. 4:8.

Self-Discipline

11.

What principle binds the God-

fearing person to maintain God's

standard of purity in personal rela-

tions? 1 Cor. 6:18. Compare Gen.

39:7-12.

NOTE.—"Joseph's answer reveals the

power of religious principle. He would not

betray the confidence of his master on

earth, and, whatever the consequences, he

would be true to his Master in heaven. Un-

der the inspecting eye of God and holy

angels, many take liberties of which they

would not be guilty in the presence of their

fellowmen; but Joseph's first thought was

of God. 'How can I do this great wicked-

ness, and sin against God?' he said. . . .

"Let the young ever remember that

wherever they are, and whatever they do,

they are in the presence of God. No part

of our conduct escapes observation. We

cannot hide our ways from the Most

High."—Patriarchs and Prophets,

page 217.

12.

Why is it important to guard

well the heart? Prov. 4:23.

NOTE.—"There should not be one de-

parture from reserve. One act of familiarity,

one indiscretion, may jeopardize the soul,

by opening the door to temptation and thus

weakening the power of resistance."—

Counsels on Health,

page 295.

13.

What insight did the apostle

Paul give indicating his own constant

need for self-discipline? 1 Cor. 9:27.

NOTE.—"Let those in whose hands God

has placed the light of truth, depart from

all iniquity. Let them walk in the paths

of rectitude, mastering every passion and

habit that would in any way mar the

work of God, or leave a spot upon its

sacredness.... By watchfulness and prayer,

. . . [one] may so guard his weakest points

that they will become his strongest points."

—Gospel Workers,

page 126.

Reassurance

14.

What assurance of stability of

character is held out to the Christian

who lays "hold upon the hope set

before us"? Heb. 6:18, 19.

NOTE.—"It is fellowship with Christ, per-

sonal contact with a living Saviour, that

enables the mind and heart and soul to

triumph over the lower

nature."—Christ's

Object Lessons,

page 388.

Questions for Meditation

What precaution would have spared

King David from his sin of adultery?

What may be the influence on one's

soul of watching dramatized entertainment

depicting infidelity in marriage?

What can be done to improve the situ-

ation of the husband and wife who are "in-

compatible"?

In view of the Christian's responsibil-

ity to maintain and guard the purity of the

relationships between men and women,

what standards should be held on the

modesty of dress?

Sabbath school lessons in Braille are supplied free to the blind upon

request. Address: The Christian Record Braille Foundation, Inc., 4444

South 52d Street, Lincoln, Nebraska 68516.

[ 27

Lesson 8, for August 22, 1964

The Causes of Disease

MEMORY VERSE:

"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life

through Jesus Christ our Lord." Rom. 6:23.

STUDY HELPS:

"Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 52-62; "The Desire of Ages,"

pages 470, 471; "Testimonies," vol. 3, pp. 138-141; "S.D.A. Bible Commen-

tary;" "S.D.A. Bible Dictionary."

AIM:

To discover (1) why the human race became susceptible to disease, (2)

whether disease is a specific punishment for sin, and (3) how the individual

can rise above the susceptibility to disease.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD

Check Here

Sabbath afternoon: General survey.

❑

Sunday: Questions 1-5.



❑

Monday: Questions 6-9.



❑

Tuesday: Questions 10-12.



❑

Wednesday: Questions 13, 14; begin

Check

Here

reading study helps.



❑

Thursday: Finish reading study

helps.

Friday: Review entire lesson.

Lesson Outline:

Introduction

I. The Introduction of Disease

The primeval condition of man.

Gen. 1:27, 31.

Cause of physical and mental de-

cline. Gen. 3:11, 19, 22-24.

Man's disregard of physical laws.

Gen. 6:5.

Effects of sin shown on life-span.

Gen. 5:5; 25:7; 47:28; 50:26;

Deut. 34:7; Ps. 90:10.

Satan responsible for disease and

suffering. Luke 13:11-16; Acts

10:38.

II. Job's Experience

His character. Job 1:1.

His discouragement. Job 3:2, 3.

8. The reason for his affliction. Job

1:8-12; 2:3-6.

9. His repentance for doubting God's

goodness. Job 42:5, 6.

III. The Relation Between Sin and

Disease

10. Illustrated in the healing of the

man by the pool of Bethesda. John

5:5-9, 14.

11. Disease not to be considered a di-

rect punishment for personal sin.

John 9:1-3.

12. Disregard of the laws of health in-

creases susceptibility to disease.

Gal. 6:7.

IV. The Blessing of Health

13. Promised to obedient Israel. Ex.

23:25.

14. To be bestowed in the ultimate in

the new earth. Rev. 21:4; Isa.

33:24.

THE LESSON

Introduction

The first seven lessons for the quarter

have dealt with various aspects of Chris-

tian homelife. For the remaining six les-

sons of the series we shall study the prin-

ciples of healthful living. Successful home-

life and healthful living are closely related;

[287

a home cannot reach its ultimate of service

and happiness unless the members are

healthy persons. Furthermore, the home is

the place where the laws of health may be

taught best by both precept and example.

The Christian should be relatively free

from disease. He abstains from those

grossly sinful practices which leave misery

and disease in their wake. He has a faith

in God's watchcare that spares him from

the worries and anxieties that rob faithless

persons of their store of vital force and

thus make them susceptible to disease.

Health is a God-given blessing, but a bless-

ing which is conditional on compliance

with the principles of healthful living.

The Introduction of Disease

What was God's verdict as He

looked over the newly created earth?

Gen. 1:27, 31.

NoTE.—"As man came forth from the

hand of His Creator, he was of lofty stature

and perfect symmetry. His countenance

bore the ruddy tint of health and glowed

with the light of life and

joy."—Patriarchs

and Prophets,

page 45.

What caused Adam and Eve's

physical and mental decline? Gen. 3:

11, 19, 22-24.

NOTE.—"Contrary to His [God's] com-

mand, they had eaten of the forbidden

tree. . . . From that time the race would

be afflicted by Satan's temptations. Instead

of the happy labor heretofore appointed

them, anxiety and toil were to be their lot.

They would be subject to disappointment,

grief, and pain, and finally to death. . . .

"In order to possess an endless existence,

man must continue to partake of the tree

of life. Deprived of this, his vitality would

gradually diminish until life should be-

come

extinct."—Patriarchs and Prophets,

pages 59, 60.

What has been the prevailing

attitude of most of the members of

the human race ever since Adam and

Eve's expulsion from the Garden of

Eden? Gen. 6:5.

"Religion tends directly to

promote health, to lengthen

life, and to heighten our en-

joyment of all its blessings."

—Patriarchs and Prophets,

page 600.

How marked was the effect of

sin on the vitality of the human race

as measured by length of life? Gen.

5:5; 25:7; 47:28; 50:26; Deut. 34:7; Ps.

90:10.

NorE.—Early members of the human race

lived to be more than 900 years old.

"God did not create the race in its

present feeble condition. This state of

things is not the work of Providence, but

the work of man ; it has been brought

about by wrong habits and abuses, by vio-

lating the laws that God has made to gov-

ern man's existence. . . .

"Man came from the hand of his Creator

perfect and beautiful in form, and so filled

with vital force that it was more than a

thousand years before his corrupt appetite

and passions, and general violations of

physical law, were sensibly felt upon the

race. More recent generations have felt the

pressure of infirmity and disease still more

rapidly and heavily with every generation.

The vital forces have been greatly weakened

by the indulgence of appetite and lustful

passion."—Testimonifs, vol.

3, p. 139.

In the ultimate, who is responsi-

ble for disease and suffering? Luke

13:11-16; Acts 10:38.

NOTE.—"Satan is the originator of

dis-

ease."—Counsels on Health,

page 324.

"Our heavenly Father does not willingly

afflict or grieve the children of men. He is

not the author of sickness and death; He is

the source of

life."—Gospel Workers,

page

239

( 29 1

Job's Experience

What was Job's personal record

of character? Job 1:1.

During his illness, how deeply

discouraged did Job become? Job

3:2, 3.

NOTE.—Job's discouragement obviously

stemmed from his thinking that his righ-

teous life should have earned him freedom

from sorrow and suffering. As long as he

held this belief, he was at a loss to explain

his personal misfortunes.

When sorely afflicted, what did

Job fail to understand about the cause

of his troubles? Job 1:8-12; 2:3-6.

NoTE.—"The history of Job had shown

that suffering is inflicted by Satan, and is

overruled by God for purposes of mercy."—

The Desire of Ages,

page 471.

How did Job ultimately confess

his error in questioning God's justice?

Job. 42:5, 6.

NOTE.—"For those who love God, those

who are 'the called according to His pur-

pose' (Romans 8:28), Bible biography has

a yet higher lesson of the ministry of sor-

row. 'Ye are My witnesses, saith the Lord,

that I am God' (Isaiah 43:12)—witnesses

that He is good, and that goodness is su-

preme. 'We are made a theater unto the

world, both (R.V., margin) to angels, and

to men.'

"—Education,

page 154.

The Relation Between Sin and

Disease

10.

By what miracle and comment

did Jesus teach that there is a rela-

tion between sin and disease? John

5:5-9, 14.

NoTE.—"But the Saviour saw one case

of supreme wretchedness. It was that of a

man who had been a helpless cripple for

thirty-eight years. His disease was in a

great degree the result of his own sin."—

The Desire of Ages,

page 202.

"Sin and disease bear to each other the

relationship of cause and

effect."—Counsels

on Health,

page 325.

11.

By what answer to the disciples'

question did Jesus seek to help them

overcome the traditional belief that

disease is always a direct punishment

for personal sins? John 9:1-3.

NoTE.—"It was generally believed by the

Jews that sin is punished in this life. Every

affliction was regarded as the penalty of

some wrongdoing, either of the sufferer him-

self or of his parents. It is true that all

suffering results from the transgression of

God's law, but this truth had become per

verted. . . . The belief of the Jews in re-

gard to the relation of sin and suffering was

held by Christ's disciples. While Jesus cor-

rected their error, He did not explain the

cause of the man's affliction, but told them

what would be the result. Because of it

the works of God would be made manifest."

—The Desire of Ages,

page 471.

12.

What will be the logical con-

sequence of a disregard of God's laws

(including the laws of health)? Gal.

6:7.

NOTE.—"Intellectual power, physical

strength, and longevity depend upon im-

mutable laws. There is no happen-so, no

chance, about this matter. Nature's God

will not interfere to preserve men from the

consequences of violating nature's laws.

There is much sterling truth in the adage,

`Every man is the architect of his own

fortune.'

"—Counsels on Diet and Foods,

page 29.

"When men take any course which

needlessly expends their vitality or be-

clouds their intellect, they sin against God;

they do not glorify Him in their body and

spirit, which are His. Yet despite the in-

sult which man has offered Him, God's

love is still extended to the race, and He

[301

permits light to shine, enabling man to see

that in order to live a perfect life he must

obey the natural laws which govern his

being. How important, then, that man

should walk in this light, exercising all

his powers, both of body and mind, to

the glory of God

!"—Counsels on Health,

page 20.

The Blessing of Health

13.

What conditional promise did

God make to the Israelites? Ex. 23:25.

14.

What is the permanent remedy

for disease? Rev. 21:4; Isa. 33:24.

NOTE.—"Pain cannot exist in the atmos-

phere of heaven. In the home of the re-

deemed there will be no tears, no funeral

trains, no badges of mourning. 'The in-

habitant shall not say, I am sick: the peo-

ple that dwell therein shall be forgiven their

iniquity.' Isaiah 33:24. One rich tide of

happiness will flow and deepen as eternity

rolls

on."—Testimonies,

vol. 9, p. 286.

Questions for Meditation

What assurance do we have that the

saved will have access to the tree of life?

See

Early Writings,

page 289; Rev. 22:14.

Why do some persons who have lived

unselfish Christian lives have to bear a

heavy share of disease and suffering?

Why do some irreligious persons who

live carelessly seem to be quite free from

disease?

Do repentance and forgiveness relieve

a person of the consequences of his previous

violations of the laws of health?

Lesson 9, for August 29, 1964

Temperance in All Things

MEMORY VERSE:

"And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all

things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible."

1 Cor. 9:25.

STUDY HELPS:

"The Adventist Home," pages 493-511; "Counsels on Health," pages

49-51; "Medical Ministry," pages 291-297; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary;" "S.D.A.

Bible Dictionary."

AIM:

To review the teachings of the Bible on temperance in all things as a vital

part of the way of life which God desires His people to follow.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD

Check Here

Sabbath afternoon: General survey.

❑

Check Here

Wednesday: Questions 11-13; Read

Sunday: Questions 1-4.

❑

further from study helps.

❑

Monday: Questions 5-7.

❑

Thursday:



Finish reading study

Tuesday: Questions 8-10; begin

helps.

❑

reading study helps.

❑

Friday:



Review entire lesson.

❑

[

Lesson Outline:

Introduction

Temperance: A Code for the

Christian

1. The body is the "temple of the

Holy Ghost." Ps. 139:14; 1 Cor.

6:19.

2. We are to glorify God in our body.

1 Cor. 6:20; 10:31; Rom. 12:1.

3. We are to be temperate in all

things. 1 Cor. 9:25.

4. The third step in "Peter's ladder."

2 Peter 1:4-8.

II. Temperance in Human Desires

5. Paul's exhortations to temperance

and sobriety. Titus 2:2, 6, 12.

6. The Christian's victory over lust.

Rom. 6:12.

7. Victory over physical desires.

1 Cor. 9:27.

III. Temperance Even in Permissible

Activities

8. In eating. Prov. 25:16.

9. In sleep and work. Ps. 127:2.

10. In study. Eccl. 12 :12.

IV. Need for Periodic Relaxation

11. Example of the children of Israel.

Deut. 16:16.

12. The Sabbath a time for rest. Gen.

2:2.

13. Example of Jesus and His disciples.

Mark 6:31.

THE LESSON

action if the human agent will obey His

laws and cooperate with God. Every law

governing the human machinery is to be

considered just as truly divine in orgin, in

character, and in importance as the Word

of God. Every careless, inattentive action,

any abuse put upon the Lord's wonderful

mechanism, by disregarding His specified

laws in the human habitation, is a viola-

tion of God's law. We may behold and

admire the work of God in the natural

world, but the human habitation is the

most wonderful."-Medical

Ministry,

page

221.

2. In addition to the desire to re-

ceive personal benefits, what motive

should prompt the Christian to care

well for his body? 1 Cor. 6:20; 10:31;

Rom. 12:1.

Introduction

"We are constantly tempted to excess.

Those who would preserve their powers un-

impaired for the service of God, must ob-

serve strict temperance in the use of His

bounties, as well as total abstinence from

every injurious or debasing indulgence. . . .

"Especially in our large cities, every form

of indulgence is made easy and inviting.

Those who, like Daniel, refuse to defile

themselves, will reap the reward of their

temperate habits. With their greater phys-

ical stamina and increased power of en-

durance, they have a bank of deposit upon

which to draw in case of emergency."-

Counsels on Diet and Foods,

page 29.

Temperance: A Code for the

Christian

1. For what reason is the human

body to be considered as a sacred

trust? Ps. 139:14; 1 Cor. 6:19.

NoTE.-"The Creator of man has ar-

ranged the living machinery of our bodies.

Every function is wonderfully and wisely

made., And God has pledged Himself to

keep this human machinery in healthful

NOTE.-"The better you observe the laws

of health, the more clearly can you discern

temptations, and resist them, and the more

clearly can you discern the value of eternal

things. May the Lord help you to make

the most of your present opportunities and

privileges, that you may daily gain new

victories, and finally enter the City of

God, as those who have overcome by the

blood of the Lamb and the word of their

testimony."-My

Life Today,

page 141.

[ 32 ]

In striving for victory, what is

one important rule to which the Chris-

tian must conform? 1 Cor. 9:25.

Compare Heb. 12:1.

What is the third step listed by

the apostle Peter in the growth toward

Christian perfection? 2 Peter 1:4-8.

NoTE.—" 'And to knowledge, temper-

ance.' This is the third step in the path

toward perfection of character. On every

side there is indulgence and dissipation, and

the result is degeneration and corruption.

The inhabitants of our earth are depreciat-

ing in mental, moral, and physical power,

because of the intemperate habits of society.

Appetite, passion, and love of display are

carrying the multitudes into the greatest

excesses and extravagance. . . . The peo-

ple of God must take an opposite course

from the world. They must take up the

warfare against these sinful practices, deny

appetite, and keep the lower nature in

subjection."—My

Life Today,

page 97.

Temperance in Human Desires

What references did Paul make

to the need for temperance—that is,

self-control? Titus 2:2, 6, 12.

What victory must the Christian

gain? Rom. 6:12.

NOTE.—"Every true Christian will have

control of his appetites and passions. Un-

less he is free from the bondage of ap-

petite, he cannot be a true, obedient ser-

vant of Christ. The indulgence of appetite

and passion blunts the effect of truth upon

the heart. It is impossible for the spirit and

power of the truth to sanctify a man, soul,

body, and spirit, when he is controlled by

sensual

desires."—Fundamentals of Chris-

tian Education,

page 144.

How important is this matter of

temperance with respect to one's

physical desires? 1 Cor. 9:27.

Temperance Even in Permissible

Activities

What caution is given against

overeating even of that which is good?

Prov. 25:16.

What admonitions indicate that

intemperance even in permissible ac-

tivities should not be permitted to rob

a person of his needed rest? Ps. 127:2.

NOTE.—"Those who make great exertions

to accomplish just so much work in a given

time, and continue to labor when their

judgment tells them they should rest, are

never gainers. They are living on borrowed

capital. They are expending the vital force

which they will need at a future time. And

when the energy they have so recklessly

used is demanded, they fail for want of it.

. . Their time of need has come, but their

physical resources are exhausted. Everyone

who violates the laws of health must some-

time be a sufferer to a greater or less de-

gree."—Counsels on Health,

page 99.

However, observe the following: "It is

displeasing to God for Sabbath keepers to

sleep during much of the Sabbath. They

dishonor their Creator in so doing, and, by

their example, say that six days are too

precious for them to spend in resting. They

must make money, although it be by rob-

bing themselves of needed sleep, which they

make up by sleeping away holy time. They

then excuse themselves by saying: 'The Sab-

bath was given for a day of rest. I will not

deprive myself of rest to attend meeting,

for I need rest.' Such make a wrong use of

the sanctified

day."—Testimonies,

vol. 2, p.

704.

10.

What effect does too much

study have upon the body? Eccl.

12:12.

NorE.—"Moral, intellectual, and physical

culture should be combined in order to

have well-developed, well-balanced men

and women. Some are qualified to exercise

great intellectual strength, while others are

inclined to love and enjoy physical labor.

[33

Both of these classes should seek to im-

prove where they are deficient, that they

may present to God their entire being, a

living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to Him,

which is their reasonable service."—My

Life

Today,

page 144.

Need for Periodic Relaxation

11.

How many times a year did

the children of Israel break their usual

routine in order to attend religious

gatherings? Deut. 16:16.

12.

What was one of the important

purposes for which God instituted the

Sabbath? Gen. 2:2.

NOTE.—"God reserved the seventh day

as a period of rest for man, for the good of

man as well as for His own glory. He saw

that the wants of man required a day of

rest from toil and care, that his health and

life would be endangered without a period

of relaxation from the labor and anxiety of

the six

days."—Testimonies, vol.

1, pp. 532,

533.

13.

What evidence do we have that

Jesus recognized the need for oc-

casional periods of relaxation? Mark

6:31.

NOTE.—"When the disciples related all

their experience to Jesus, He understood

their need. . . . He knew that a season of

rest and recreation, apart from the multi-

tude and the scene of their labors, would

invigorate them, and he sought to withdraw

them from the busy cities to a quiet resort

where they might have a season of precious

fellowship with Him and with each other."

—My Life Today,

page 133.

Questions for Meditation

Am I avoiding extremes even in such

matters as sleep, exercise, outdoor living,

and abstemiousness?

Is it possible for a person to replenish

the reserves of "vital force" which he has

previously depleted through intemperance?

See

Fundamentals of Christian Education,

pages 153, 154.

How much more than following a

simple diet is included in the term "health

reform"?

Lesson 10, for September 5, 1964

Our Food and Drink

MEMORY VERSE:

"Blessed art thou,

land, when . . . thy princes eat in due

season, for strength, and not for drunkenness!" Eccl. 10:17.

STUDY HELPS:

"Counsels on Diet and Foods," pages 43-65, 402-405; "Medical Min-

istry," pages 273-289; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary;" "S.D.A. Bible Dictionary."

AIM:

To restudy the diet which God has recommended for human beings, to

determine the relationship between diet and health, to review the inspired

teachings on intoxicants, and to understand the relationship between diet and

spirituality.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD

Check Here

Sabbath afternoon: General survey.

❑

Sunday: Questions 1-4.



❑

Monday: Questions 5-7; begin

reading study helps.



❑

Tuesday: Questions 8-10.



❑

Check Here

Wednesday: Questions 11-13; read

further from study helps.



❑

Thursday: Finish reading study

helps.



❑

Friday: Review entire lesson.



❑

[ 34

Lesson Outline;

Introduction

I. The Divinely Approved Dietary

God's bestowal of every good

thing. Ps. 84:11.

Man's original diet. Gen. 1:29.

Eating of flesh foods permitted.

Gen. 9:1-3.

Clean and unclean meats. Lev.

11:2-31.

II. The Temptation to Indulge Appetite

Daniel resisted. Dan. 1:8-15, 19-21.

Jesus' first temptation. Matt.

4:3, 4.

7. Israel's experience cited by Paul.

1 Cor. 10:5-7.

III. Intoxicants

8. Warnings against intoxicating

beverages. Prov. 20:1 ; 23:29-32.

9. New Testament warnings against

drunkenness. Eph. 5:18.

10. Woe to the drunkards. Prov. 23:20,

21; Isa. 5:11, 12 ; 28:7, 8.

IV. Guiding Principles

11. "Eat . . . for strength, and not for

drunkenness." Eccl. 10:17.

12. "Eat . . . that which is good." Isa.

55:2.

13. "Do all to the glory of God."

1 Cor. 10:31.

THE LESSON

Introduction



strengthen the lower passions, and has a

tendency to deaden the moral powers.

Grains and fruits prepared free from grease,

and in as natural a condition as possible,

should be the food for the tables of all

who claim to be preparing for translation

to heaven. The less feverish the diet, the

more easily can the passions be controlled.

Gratification of taste should not be con-

sulted irrespective of physical, intellectual,

or moral

health."-Counsels on Health,

page 42.

3. When did God give sanction to

the use of animal flesh as food? Gen.

9:1-3.

"To keep the body in a healthy condi-

tion, in order that all parts of the living

machinery may act harmoniously, should be

a study of our life. The children of God

cannot glorify Him with sickly bodies or

dwarfed minds. Those who indulge in any

species of intemperance, either in eating or

drinking, waste their physical energies and

weaken moral

power."-Counsels on Diet

and Foods,

page 18.

The Divinely Approved Dietary

Of what may we be confident

with respect to God's restrictions? Ps.

84:11.

Of what did man's diet consist

before the entrance of

sin? Gen. 1:29.

NOTE.-"We learn from the divine record

that man was to eat of the products of

both field and tree, in other words of grain,

nuts, and fruit."-S.D.A.

Bible Commen-

tary,

on Gen. 1:29.

"If ever there was a time when the diet

should be of the most simple kind, it is

now. Meat should not be placed before

our children. Its influence is to excite and

NOTE.

-"Before this time [of the Flood]

God had given man no permission to eat

animal food; He intended that the race

should subsist wholly upon the productions

of the earth ; but now that every green

thing had been destroyed, He allowed them

to eat the flesh of the clean beasts that

had been preserved in the

ark."-Patriarchs

and Prophets,

page 107.

"We do not mark out any precise line to

be followed in diet; but we do say that in

countries where there are fruits, grains, and

nuts in abundance, flesh food is not the

right food for God's people. . . . If meat

eating were ever healthful, it is not safe

now. Cancers, tumors, and pulmonary dis-

eases are largely caused by meat eating."-

Counsels on Diet and Foods,

page 404.

( 35

"Among those who are waiting for the

coming of the Lord, meat eating will even-

tually be done away; flesh will cease to

form a part of their diet. We should ever

keep this end in view, and endeavor to

work steadily toward it. I cannot think

that in the practice of flesh eating we are

in harmony with the light which God has

been pleased to give

us."—Ibid.,

pp. 380,

381.

"It has been clearly presented to me that

God's people are to take a firm stand

against meat eating."—Ibid., p. 383.

What precise distinction do we

find in the Bible between meats which

may be eaten and those which posi-

tively may not be eaten? Lev. 11:2-

31. Compare Judges 13:4.

NorE.—"The angel's prohibition included

`every unclean thing.' The distinction be-

tween articles of food as clean and unclean

was not a merely ceremonial and arbitrary

regulation, but was based upon sanitary

principles. To the observance of this dis-

tinction may be traced, in a great degree,

the marvelous vitality which for thousands

of years has distinguished the Jewish peo-

ple. . . . There are few who realize as they

should how much their habits of diet have

to do with their health, their character, their

usefulness in this world, and their eternal

destiny. The appetite should ever be in

subjection to the moral and intellectual

powers. The body should be servant to

the mind, and not the mind to the body."

---Patriarchs and Prophets,

page 562.

The Temptation to Indulge

Appetite

What outstanding example does

the Bible give of steadfastness to prin-

ciple in eating and drinking and the

attendant results? Dan. 1:8-15, 19-21.

NOTE.—"Daniel's clearness of mind and

firmness of purpose, his power in acquiring

knowledge and in resisting temptation, were

due in a great degree to the plainness of his

diet, in connection with his life of

prayer. . . .

"Stand forth in your God-given manhood

and womanhood. . . . God will reward you

with calm nerves, a clear brain, and unim-

paired judgment, keen perceptions. The

youth of today whose principles are firm

and unwavering will, be blessed with health

of body, mind, and soul."—My

Life Today,

page 147.

What was the nature of Jesus'

first temptation when He was

"tempted of the devil" in the wilder-

ness? Matt. 4:3, 4.

To what examples of indulged

appetite does Paul refer as he ad-

monishes Christians not to yield to

the promptings of unsanctified desire?

1 Cor. 10:5-7.

NOTE.—"Satan sees that he cannot have

so great power over minds when the ap-

petite is kept under control as when it is

indulged, and he is constantly working to

lead men to indulgence. Under the influ-

ence of unhealthful food, the conscience be-

comes stupefied, the mind is darkened, and

its susceptibility to impressions is impaired.

But the guilt of the transgressor is not

lessened because the conscience has been

violated till it has become insensible."—

Fundamentals of Christian Education,

pages

143, 144.

Intoxicants

What warning does Solomon

give against intoxicants and their

subtle effects? Prov. 20:1; 23:29-32.

What solemn admonition is

given in the New Testament? Eph.

5:18.

NorE.—"Paul advised Timothy to take

a little wine for his stomach's sake and oft

infirmities, but he meant the unfermented

juice of the grape. He did not advise Timo-

thy to take what the Lord had prohibited."

f36

—Ellen G. White, "The Marriage in Cana

of Galilee,"

Signs of the Times,

Sept. 6,

1899, p. 6.

10.

What warning and condemna-

tion is directed to those who engage

in worldly revelry? Prov. 23:20, 21;

Isa. 5:11, 12; 28:7, 8.

Guiding Principles

11.

What policy in eating and

drinking may safely be followed?

Eccl. 10:17.

NOTE.—"The only safe course is to touch

not, taste not, handle not, tea, coffee, wines,

tobacco, opium, and alcoholic drinks. The

necessity for the men of this generation to

call to their aid the power of the will

strengthened by the grace of God, in order

to withstand the temptations of Satan, and

resist the least indulgence of perverted ap-

petite, is twice as great as it was several

generations

ago."—Counsels on Health,

page 125.

12.

In addition to its figurative,

spiritual meaning, what practical ap-

plication can properly be made of

Isaiah's counsel on the choice of food?

Isa. 55:2.

NOTE.—"Those foods should be chosen

that best supply the elements needed for

building up the body. In this choice, ap-

petite is not a safe guide. Through wrong

habits of eating, the appetite has become

perverted."—The

Ministry of Healing,

page 295.

"God has furnished man with abundant

means for the gratification of an unper-

verted appetite. He has spread before him

the products of the earth—a bountiful

variety of food that is palatable to the

taste and nutritious to the system. Of

these our benevolent heavenly Father says

we may freely eat. Fruits, grains, and

vegetables, prepared in a simple way, free

from spice and grease of all kinds, make,

with milk or cream, the most healthful

diet. They impart nourishment to the body

and give a power of endurance and a vigor

of intellect that are not produced by a

stimulating

diet."—Counsels on Health,

pages 114, 115.

13.

What general principle should

guide Christians in matters of diet?

1 Cor. 10:31.

Questions for Meditation

Is the simple diet advocated in the

writings of Ellen G. White a scientifically

adequate diet? (See the series of three

articles by Clive M. McCay, Ph.D., Pro-

fessor of Nutrition, Cornell University,

which appeared in the

Review and Herald,

Feb. 12, 19, 26, 1959.

Granted that appetite is not a safe

guide to the choice of food, and recogniz-

ing, furthermore, that appetite may be-

come perverted by habit and custom, how

can one know what plan of diet is best to

follow?

To what extent are the sinful ways of

our present generation traceable to the use

of liquor?

What is the relation between the hab-

its of diet and the desire for stimulants and

intoxicants?

Lesson 11, for September 12, 1964

The Power of Habit

MEMORY VERSE:

"Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man

soweth, that shall he also reap." Gal. 6:7.

STUDY HELPS:

"Child Guidance," pages 199-203; "Counsels on Health," pages

36, 41, 42, 64-70; "Messages to Young People," pages 134-136; "S.D.A. Bible

Commentary;" "S.D.A. Bible Dictionary."

[ 37 ]

AIM:

To foster a recognition that habits are amenable to control by the intellect.

The intelligent Christian improves his health and promotes his eternal welfare

by building desirable habits of living and of thinking.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD

Check Here

Sabbath afternoon: General survey.

❑

Wednesday: Questions 11-13; begin

Sunday: Questions 1-3.

❑

reading study helps.

❑

Monday: Questions 4-7.

❑

Thursday:



Finish reading study

Tuesday:



Questions 8-10.

❑

helps.

❑

Friday:



Review entire lesson.

❑

Lesson Outline:

Introduction

I. Habits Have Eternal Consequences

Seed sown determines the harvest.

Gal. 6:7.

Habits bind like cords. Prov. 5:22.

Habits, the basis of judgment. Ezek.

7:3.

II. Examples of Desirable Habits

Daniel's habits of wholesome living

and frequent prayer. Dan. 1:8;

6:10.

The psalmist's habits. Ps. 39:1;

25:4; 55:17.

Cornelius's habits of liberality and

prayer. Acts 10:1, 2.

Jesus' habit of attending religious

services. Luke 4:16.

III. Treacherous Habits

8. Establishing one's own standard of

righteousness. Prov. 16:2; 21:2;

Isa. 5:20, 21.

9. Evil habits a hindrance to right

living. Jer. 13:23.

10. The habit of indolence. Prov.

6:9-11.

IV. Victory Over Bad Habits

11.

A searching of our ways should

turn us to the Lord. Lam. 3:40.

12. Paul's experience in changing his

habit pattern. Gal. 1:15-17.

13. Assurance of divine cooperation in

controlling habits. Prov. 3:6.

THE LESSON

Introduction



your example will guide others to the cross."

-Messages to Young People,

page 212.

"Remember . . . that each day, each

hour, each moment, you are weaving the

web of your own destiny. Each time the

shuttle is thrown, there is drawn into the

web a thread which either mars or beauti-

fies the pattern. If you are careless and

indolent, you spoil the life which God de-

signed should be bright and beautiful. If

you choose to follow your own inclinations,

un-Christlike habits will bind you with

bands of steel. And as you walk away from

Christ, your example will be followed by

many who, because of your wrong course,

will never enjoy the glories of heaven. But

if you make brave efforts to overcome

selfishness, allowing no opportunity to pass

for helping those around you, the light of

Habits Have Eternal Consequences

1. What is the relationship between

one's pattern of living (consisting

largely of his habits) and the final

outcome of his life? Gal. 6:7.

NOTE.

-"In

the laws of God in nature,

effect follows cause with unerring cer-

tainty. The reaping will testify as to what

the sowing has been. . . .

"In our relation to others, this law holds

true. Every act, every word, is a seed that

1381

will bear fruit. Every deed of thoughtful

kindness, of obedience, or of self-denial,

will reproduce itself in others, and through

them in still others. So every act of envy,

malice, or dissension is a seed that will

spring up in a 'root of bitterness' (Heb.

12:15), whereby many shall be defiled. And

how much larger number will the 'many'

poison. Thus the sowing of good and evil

goes on for time and for

eternity."—Christ's

Object Lessons,

pages 84, 85.

What effect do habits have in the

experience of a sinner who desires to

reform? Prov. 5:22.

On what will God's final judg-

ment of a person's life be based? Ezek.

7:3.

NOTE. "Some psychologists have claimed

that man is not responsible for his actions.

They assert that he is the victim of glandu-

lar disorders, or an unstable nervous system,

or a bad environment. The religion of the

Bible affirms and demonstrates that the

power of the gospel is greater than every

hereditary and cultivated tendency to evil."

—S.D.A. Bible Commentary,

on Ezek. 7:3.

Examples of Desirable Habits

What two habits possessed by

Daniel account in large part for his

fulfillment of God's plan for his life?

Dan. 1:8; 6:10.

NoTE.—"During their three years of

training, Daniel and his associates main-

tained their abstemious habits, their al-

legiance to God, and their constant de-

pendance upon His power. When the time

came for their abilities and acquirements to

be tested by the king, they were examined

with other candidates for the service of

the kingdom. . . . Their keen apprehension,

their choice and exact language, their ex-

tensive knowledge, testified to the unim-

paired strength and vigor of their mental

power. . . .

"Amid the seductive influences of the

luxurious courts of Babylon they stood

firm. The youth of today are surrounded

with allurements to self-indulgence. Espe-

cially in our large cities, every form of sen-

sual gratification is made easy and inviting.

Those who, like Daniel, refuse to defile

themselves will reap the reward of tem-

perate habits."—My

Life Today,

page 147.

What kind of habits ("ways")

did the psalmist earnestly seek to de-

velop? Ps. 39:1; 25:4; 55:17.

For what habits was Cornelius

commended? Acts 10:1, 2.

What worthy habit is recorded

as being in the life of Jesus? Luke

4:16.

Treacherous Habits

What dangerous habit of think-

ing may deprive a person of spiritual

progress? Prov. 16:2; 21:2; Isa. 5:

20, 21.

What grave danger attends the

person who allows the development

of evildoing in his life? Jer. 13:23.

Compare Gen. 19:14.

NorE.—"We shall be individually, for

time and eternity, what our habits make

us. The lives of those who form right hab-

its, and are faithful in the performance of

every duty, will be as shining lights, shed-

ding bright beams upon the pathway of

others; but if habits of unfaithfulness are

indulged, if lax, indolent, neglectful habits

are allowed to strengthen, a cloud darker

than midnight will settle on the prospects

in this life and forever debar the individual

from the future life.

"One selfish thought indulged, one duty

neglected, prepares the way for another.

What we venture to do once, we are more

apt to do again. Habits of sobriety, of

I 39 ]

self-control, of economy, of close applica-

tion, of sound, sensible conversation, of

patience and true courtesy, are not gained

without diligent, close watching over self.

It is much easier to become demoralized and

depraved than to conquer defects, keeping

self in control and cherishing true virtues.

Persevering efforts will be required if the

Christian graces are ever perfected in our

lives."—Testimonies,

vol. 4, p. 452.

10.

What question by Solomon in-

dicates that he recognized the impor-

tance of habits relating to our physical

welfare? Prov. 6:9-11.

NOTE.—"How prevalent is the habit of

turning day into night and night into day.

Many youth sleep soundly in the morning,

when they should be up with the early

singing birds, and be stirring when all

nature is awake. Let youth practice reg-

ularity in the hours for going to bed and

for rising. . . . Let them purpose in their

hearts that they will bring themselves under

discipline, and practice orderly rules. God

is a God of order, and it is the duty of the

youth to observe strict rules, for such

practices will work for their advantage."—

My Life Today,

page 143.

Victory Over Bad Habits

11.

What should a searching of our

ways: lead us to do? Lam. 3:40.

NOTE.—"There is a science of Christianity

to be mastered,—science as much deeper,

broader, higher than any human science as

the heavens are higher than the earth. The

mind is to be disciplined, educated, trained;

for we are to do service for God in ways

that are not in harmony with inborn in-

clination. There are hereditary and culti-

vated tendencies to evil that must be over-

come. Often the training and education of

a lifetime must be discarded, that one may,

become a learner in the school of Christ.

Our hearts must be educated to become

steadfast in God. We are to form habits

of thought that will enable us to resist

temptation. We must learn to look upward.

The principles of the Word of God—prin-

ciples that are as high as heaven, and that

compass eternity—we are to understand in

their bearing upon our daily life. Every

act, every word, every thought, is to be in

accord with these

principles."—Testimonies,

vol. 8, p. 314.

12.

Through what experience of re-

building the habit patterns of his life

did the apostle Paul pass after his

miraculous conversion? Gal. 1:15-17.

NOTE.—"A messenger from heaven bade

him leave for a time, and he 'went into

Arabia' (Galatians 1:17), where he found

a safe retreat.

"Here, in the solitude of the desert, Paul

had ample opportunity for quiet study and

meditation. . . . He emptied his soul of

the prejudices and traditions that had

hitherto shaped his life, and received in-

struction from the Source of truth. Jesus

communed with him and established him in

the faith, bestowing upon him a rich

measure of wisdom and grace."—The

Acts

of the Apostles,

pages 125, 126.

13.

What assurance do we have of

divine cooperation in controlling our

habits? Prov. 3:6.

NoTE.—"Put your will on the side of

Christ. Will to serve Him, and in acting

upon His word you will receive strength.

Whatever may be the evil practice, the

master passion which through long indul-

gence binds both soul and body, Christ is

able and longs to deliver. He will impart

life to the soul that is 'dead in trespasses.'

Ephesians 2:1. He will set free the cap-

tive that is held by weakness and misfor-

tune and the chains of

sin."—The Ministry

of Healing,

page 85.

Questions for Meditation

Will the experience of conversion re-

move such cravings as those for tobacco

and alcohol?

Is the desire to eat between meals a

habit, or a hunger prompted by the body's

need for food?

In the light of the present study of

"The Power of Habit," how may healthful

living be defined?

[ 40 ]

Lesson 12, for September 19, 1964

Mental Health

MEMORY VERSE:

"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the

world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be

afraid." John 14:27.

STUDY HELPS:

"Counsels on Health," pages 94-97, 563-566; "Counsels to Parents,

Teachers, and Students," pages 32-38, 294-301; "The Ministry of Healing,"

pages 241-259; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary;" "S.D.A. Bible Dictionary."

AIM:

To discover what the Bible teaches concerning the relationship between

physical well-being, and mental peace and happiness.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD

Check Here

Sabbath afternoon: General survey.

❑

Check Here

Wednesday:



Questions 10-13.

Sunday:



Questions 1, 2; begin read-

Thursday:



Finish reading study

ing study helps.

❑

helps.

Monday:



Questions 3-6.

❑

Friday:



Review entire lesson.

❑

Tuesday:



Questions 7-9.

❑

Lesson Outline:

Introduction

Controlling the Thoughts

"Gird up the loins of your mind."

1 Peter 1:13, first part.

Bring every thought into obedience

to Christ. 2 Cor. 10:5.

II. The Value of Happiness

God desires joy for His people. Ps.

36:7-9; Prov. 29:18, last part;

John 15:11.

Happiness results from the accept-

ance of God as Saviour and King.

Ps. 144:15.

A clear conscience promotes hap-

piness. Rom. 14:22, last part; 1

John 3:21.

Service to needy, an important

source of happiness. Prov. 14:21,

last part.

Unfavorable Influences

Causes of personal conflicts. Matt.

6:24; Gal. 5:17.

Relationship between happiness and

wealth. Eccl. 4:7, 8.

King Saul's disobedience and re-

jection by God led to spirit posses-

sion. 1 Sam. 16:14, 15.

IV. Mental Stability

10.

Trust and obedience brings fulfill-

ment of desires. Ps. 37:3-5, 18, 19;

Phil. 4:19.

11.

Christ's peace eliminates worry.

John 14:27; Ps. 119:165; 127:2.

12.

No need to be anxious. Ps. 4:8;

1 Tim. 6:6-8; 2 Tim. 1:7; Heb.

13:5.

13.

Assurance of divine aid. Phil. 4:13;

Ps. 9:9, 10; Rom. 8:35-39.

THE LESSON

Introduction

"Sickness of the mind prevails every-

where. Nine tenths of the diseases from

which men suffer have their foundation

here. Perhaps some living home trouble is,

like a canker, eating to the very soul and

weakening the life forces. Remorse for sin

sometimes undermines the constitution and

unbalances the mind. There are erroneous

doctrines also, as that of an eternally burn-

ing hell and the endless torment of the

wicked, that, by giving exaggerated and dis-

torted views of the character of God, have

produced the same result upon sensitive

minds. Infidels have made the most of these

unfortunate cases, attributing insanity to

religion; but this is a gross libel and one

which they will not be pleased to meet by

and by. The religion of Christ, so far

from being the cause of insanity, is one of

its most effectual remedies; for it is a potent

soother of the

nerves."—Testimonies, vol.

5, p. 444.

Controlling the Thoughts

What comment by the apostle

Peter indicates the need for discipline

of one's mind? 1 Peter 1:13, first part.

NOTE.—"We have each of us an individ-

ual work to do, to gird up the loins of our

minds, to be sober, to watch unto prayer.

The mind must be firmly controlled to

dwell upon subjects that will strengthen

the moral powers. . . . The thoughts must

be pure, the meditations of the heart must

be clean, if the words of the mouth are

to be words acceptable to Heaven and help-

ful to your associates."—My

life Today,

page 83.

What counsel does the apostle

Paul give the Christian regarding the

control of his thoughts? 2 Cor. 10:5.

NOTE.—"God wishes us to have the mas-

tery over ourselves. . . . Of ourselves, we

are not able to bring the purposes and de-

sires and inclinations into harmony with

the will of God; but if we are 'willing to

be made willing,' the Saviour will ac-

complish this for us, 'casting down imagi-

nations, and every high thing that exalteth

itself against the knowledge of God, and

bringing into captivity every thought to

the obedience of Christ.'

"—The Acts of the

Apostles,

pages 482, 483.

The Value of Happiness

What is God's desire regarding

the happiness of His children? Ps.

36:7-9; Prov. 29:18, last part; John

15:11.

NOTE.—"Those who are connected with

Christ have happiness at their command."

—Messages to Young People,

page 415.

What is the most important con-

dition of happiness? Ps. 144:15.

What is the relationship between

happiness and conscience? Rom. 14:

22, last part; 1 John 3:21.

NorE.—"Happiness is to be achieved by

the right action of the soul toward God."

—Selected Messages,

b. 1, p. 56.

"If the mind is free and happy, from a

consciousness of rightdoing and a sense of

satisfaction in causing happiness to others,

it creates a cheerfulness that will react upon

the whole system, causing a freer circula-

tion of the blood and a toning up of the

entire body."—My

Life Today,

page 150.

What is another important

source of happiness for the child of

God? Prov. 14:21, last part.

NOTE.—"Seize every opportunity to con-

tribute to the happiness of those around

you, sharing with them your affection.

Words of kindness, looks of sympathy, ex-

pressions of appreciation, would to many a

struggling, lonely one be as a cup of cold

water to a thirsty soul. A word of cheer,

an act of kindness, would go far to lighten

the burdens that are resting heavily upon

weary shoulders. It is in unselfish ministry

that true happiness is found."—My

Life

Today,

page 165.

Unfavorable Influences

What is an important cause of

personal conflict and thus of poor

mental health? Matt. 6:24; Gal. 5:17.

[ 42 ]

"He who opens the Scrip-

tures, and feeds upon the

heavenly manna, becomes a

partaker of the divine na-

ture."—Ellen G. White,

Re-

view and Herald,

June 28,

1892.

What is the acquiring of wealth

unable to bring us? Eccl. 4:7, 8.

NOTE.—"I saw another futile thing un-

der the sun—a lone man, kinless, without

son or brother, and yet toiling on to make

money; he cannot satisfy himself with what

he gains, and he never asks for whose sake

he is toiling and stinting himself of pleasure.

This too is vain, a sorry business." Eccl.

4:7, 8, Moffatt.

What happened after King Saul,

because of disobedience, was rejected

by the Lord? 1 Sam. 16:14, 15.

NoTE.—"[Saul] did not accept with

meekness the chastisement of God; but his

haughty spirit became desperate, until he

was on the verge of losing his reason."—

Patriarchs and Prophets,

page 643.

Mental Stability

10.

What assurance does the child

of God have that his basic personal

needs can be met? Ps. 37:3-5, 18, 19;

Phil. 4:19.

11.

Why should the Christian not

worry? John 14:27; Ps. 119:165;

127:2.

NoTE.—"The consciousness of rightdoing

is the best medicine for diseased bodies and

minds. The special blessing of God resting

upon the receiver is health and strength....

"A person whose mind is quiet and satis-

fied in God is in the pathway to health."—

My Life Today,

page 150.

12.

To what freedom from health-

destroying worry is the Christian en-

titled? Ps. 4:8; 1 Tim. 6:6-8; 2 Tim.

1:7; Heb. 13:5.

NOTE.—"All who are under the training

of God need the quiet hour for communion

with their own hearts, with nature, and

with God. . . . We must individually hear

Him speaking to the heart. When every

other voice is hushed, and in quietness we

wait before Him, the silence of the soul

makes more distinct the voice of God. He

bids us, 'Be still, and know that I am God.'

This is the effectual preparation for all

labor for God. Amidst the hurrying throng

and the strain of life's intense activities, he

who is thus refreshed will be surrounded

with an atmosphere of light and peace. He

will receive a new endowment of both

physical and mental strength."—Counsels

on Health,

page 163.

13.

As he faces life's stresses and

strains, what advantage does the

Christian have? Phil. 4:13; Ps. 9:9,

10; Rom. 8:35-39.

NOTE.—"Let the self-distrustful, whose

lack of self-reliance leads them to shrink

from care and responsibility, be taught re-

liance upon God. Thus many a one who

otherwise would be but a cipher in the

world, perhaps only a helpless burden, will

be able to say with the apostle Paul, 'I can

do all things through Christ which strength-

eneth me.'

"—Education,

page 256.

Questions for Meditation

Is resort to worry a denial of faith?

Is mental depression a judgment from

God?

What is the best remedy for a troubled

conscience?

Where is the proper dividing line be-

tween self-confidence and trust in God?

Lesson 13, for September 26, 1964

Religion and Health

MEMORY VERSE:

"Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and

be in health, even as thy soul prospereth." 3 John 2.

STUDY HELPS:

"Counsels on Health," pages 29-31; "Medical Ministry," pages 7-17;

"The Ministry of Healing," chapter, "Prayer for the Sick" (pages 225-233);

"S.D.A. Bible Commentary."

AIM:

To determine what relationship exists between one's spiritual and physical

welfare and to examine the teaching of the Bible on divine healing.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD

Check Here

Sabbath afternoon: General survey.

❑

Sunday: Questions 1-3; begin

reading study helps.

Monday: Questions 4-6.

Tuesday: Questions 7-10.

Check Here

Wednesday: Questions 11-13.



❑

Thursday: Finish reading study

helps.



❑

Friday: Review entire lesson.

Lesson Outline:

Introduction

I. Relationship of Spiritual and

Physical Health

Forgiveness of sin and healing of

disease. Ps. 103:2, 3.

A happy heart and a broken spirit.

Prov. 17:22.

Health in proportion to Christian

experience. 3 John 2.

II. Righteous Living Promotes Health

Departing from evil and doing good

promotes health. Prov. 3:7, 8;

1 Peter 3:10-12.

Faith in God conducive to long life.

Ps. 42:11; Prov. 10:27.

God promises strength proportion-

ate to our need. 1 Cor. 10:13; Heb.

13:6.

III. Divine Healing

Prayer for healing. James 5:16, last

part.

Elders to anoint the sick and pray

for them. James 5:14, 15.

Submission to God's will. Matt.

26:39.

10.

Paul's "thorn in the flesh" not re-

moved. 2 Cor. 12:7-9.

IV. Christians Should Be Healthy

11.

Love to God and man promotes

health of body and mind. Matt.

22:35-40; John 15:12.

12.

Rest in labor with Christ. Matt.

11:28-30.

13.

Health promised to God's witnesses.

Isa. 58:6-8.

THE LESSON

Introduction



a consciousness that the eyes of the Lord

are upon us and His ears open to our prayers

"The special blessing of God resting upon is a satisfaction indeed. To know that

the receiver is health and strength. A per-



we have a never-failing Friend in whom we

son whose mind is quiet and satisfied in



can confide all the secrets of the soul is a

God is in the pathway to health. To have privilege which words can never express.

[ 44 ]

Those whose moral faculties are beclouded

by disease are not the ones to rightly rep-

resent the Christian life or the beauties of

holiness. They are too often in the fire of

fanaticism or the water of cold indifference

or stolid

gloom."—Testimonies, vol.

1, p.

502.

Relationship of Spiritual and

Physical Health

In what words does the psalmist

indicate the relationship between

spiritual and physical health? Ps.

103:2, 3.

In what figurative language does

Solomon emphasize the important re-

lationship between mental attitudes

and the state of health? Prov. 17:22.

NOTE.—"The relation that exists between

the mind and the body is very intimate.

When one is affected, the other sympathizes.

The condition of the mind affects the health

to a far greater degree than many realize.

Many of the diseases from which men suf-

fer are the result of mental depression.

Grief, anxiety, discontent, remorse, guilt,

distrust, all tend to break down the life

forces and to invite decay and death.

"Disease is sometimes produced, and is

often greatly aggravated, by the imagina-

tion. Many are lifelong invalids who might

be well if they only thought so. . . . Many

die from disease the cause of which is

wholly imaginary."—The

Ministry of Heal-

ing,

page 241.

What ideal for health is ex-

pressed by the apostle John? 3

John 2.

NorE.—"We should cooperate with God

in the care of our bodies. Love for God is

essential for life and health. Faith in God

is essential for health. In order to have

perfect health, our hearts must be filled

with love and hope and joy in the Lord."

—My Life Today,

page 149.

Righteous Living Promotes Health

What counsels from both the

Old and New Testaments indicate that

good health is promoted by living

righteously? Prov. 3:7, 8; 1 Peter

3:10-12.

NOTE.—"The love of God in the soul will

have a direct influence upon the life and

will call the intellect and the affections into

active, healthful exercise. The child of God

will not rest satisfied until he is clothed

with the righteousness of Christ and sus-

tained by His life-giving power. When he

sees a weakness in his character, it is not

enough to confess it again and again; he

must go to work with determination and

energy to overcome his defects by building

up opposite traits of character. He will not

shun this work because it is difficult. Un-

tiring energy is required of the Christian;

but he is not obliged to work in his own

strength; divine power awaits his demand.

Everyone who is sincerely striving for the

victory over self will appropriate the prom-

ise, 'My grace is sufficient for thee.'

"—My

Life Today,

page 99.

What physical benefits result

from faith in God? Ps. 42:11; Prov.

10:27.

NorE.—"Godliness does not conflict with

the laws of health, but is in harmony with

them. The fear of the Lord is the foun-

dation of all real prosperity."—My

Life To-

day,

page 149.

What limit does God place upon

the stresses that He allows to come to

His children? 1 Cor. 10:13; Heb. 13:6.

NOTE.—"So far you have faced no trial

beyond what man can bear. God keeps

faith, and He will not allow you to be

tested above your powers, but when the

test comes He will at the same time provide

a way out, by enabling you •to_sustain it."

1 Cor. 10:13, N.E.B.

[

451

Divine Healing



to accept God's will in preference to

our own desires? Matt. 26:39.

What divinely appointed remedy

for human needs is available to the

child of God? James 5:16, last part.

NoTE.—"Prayer and faith are closely al-

lied, and they need to be studied together.

In the prayer of faith there is a divine

science; it is a science that everyone who

would make his lifework a success must

understand. Christ says, 'What things so-

ever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that

ye receive them, and ye shall have them.'

Mark 11:24. He makes it plain that our

asking must be according to God's will; we

must ask for the things that He has prom-

ised, and whatever we receive must be used

in doing His will. The conditions met, the

promise is unequivocal."—Education, pages

257, 258.

What privilege do Christians

have in time of illness? James 5:

14, 15.

NOTE.—"When human help fails, God

will be the helper of His

people."—Counsels

on Health,

page 457.

"To those who desire prayer for their

restoration to health, it should be made

plain that the violation of God's law, either

natural or spiritual, is sin, and that in order

for them to receive His ble

ssing, sin must be

confessed and forsaken."—The

Ministry of

Healing,

page 228.

"There are cases where God works de-

cidedly by His divine power in the restora-

tion of health. But not

all

the sick are

healed. Many are laid away to sleep in

Jesus. John on the Isle of Patmos was

bidden to write: 'Blessed are the dead

which die in the Lord from henceforth:

Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest

from their labors; and their works do fol-

low them.' Revelation 14:13. From this we

see that if persons are not raised to health,

they should not on this account be judged

as wanting in faith."—Ibid., p. 230.

What example did the Master set

by which we understand that our

prayers should indicate a willingness

10.

What experience of the apostle

Paul indicates that miraculous heal-

ing is not always for the best? 2 Cor.

12:7-9.

NorE.—"The way in which Christ worked

was to preach the Word, and to relieve suf-

fering by miraculous works of healing. But

I am instructed that we cannot now work

in this way, for Satan will exercise his

power by working miracles. God's servants

today could not work by means of miracles,

because spurious works of healing, claiming

to be divine, will be wrought.

"For this reason the Lord has marked out

a way in which His people are to carry

forward a work of physical healing, com-

bined with the teaching of the Word. Sani-

tariums are to be established, and with these

institutions are to be connected workers

who will carry forward genuine medical

missionary work. Thus a guarding influence

is thrown around those who come to the

sanitariums for treatment."—Selected

Mes-

sages,

b. 2, p. 54.

Christians Should Be Healthy

11.

What fundamental principle of

God's government should assure us

of that personal security which pro-

motes confidence and good health?

Matt. 22:35-40; John 15:12.

12.

What words of the Master offer

relief from the evils of present-day

strenuous living? Matt. 11:28-30.

NOTE.—"When in our daily experience we

learn His meekness and lowliness, we find

rest. There is then no necessity to search

for some mysterious science to soothe the

sick. We already have the science which

gives them real rest—the science of salva-

tion, the science of restoration, the science

of a living faith in a living Saviour."—

Medical Ministry,

page 117.

46 ]

13. What way to health is set forth

by the prophet Isaiah? Isa. 58:6-8.

NOTE.—"The life of Christ is before us

as a pattern, and it is when ministering, like

angels of mercy, to the wants of others

that man is closely allied to God. It is the

nature of Christianity to make happy fam-

ilies and happy members of society."—Sons

and Daughters of God,

page 258.

Questions for Meditation

Is sickness a retribution for sin?

May an awareness of guilt undermine

a person's resistance to disease?

Was Hezekiah's prayer for healing a

prayer of presumption? See 2 Kings 20:

1-19.

THIRTEENTH SABBATH OFFERING

September 26, 1964

Far Eastern Division

The Far Eastern Division has almost 10 percent of the world's

population, to percent of the world membership of the Seventh-day

Adventist Church, and more than 53 percent of the world Sabbath

school membership. However, the percentages fall lower when we

speak of per capita wealth. For this reason, the Far Eastern Division

is unable to build churches and institutions to meet the needs of the

growing membership without outside help.

With 300,000,000 people in this territory, the medical needs and

opportunities are tremendous. This means hospitals and clinics. Of the

eight publishing houses throughout the field, only one has ever received

assistance from a Thirteenth Sabbath Offering overflow.

The fourfold increase in membership since World War II has in-

creased the need for training schools.

From the many needs in this great division, the following three

projects have been selected to benefit from the overflow on September

26: The North Celebes Training School; the Korean publishing house;

and the Hong Kong hospital.

Lessons for the Fourth Quarter, 1964

Sabbath school members who have failed to receive a senior

Lesson Quarterly

for the fourth quarter of 1964 will be helped by the following outline in studying

the first lesson. The title of the lessons for the quarter is "The Epistle to the

Galatians." The title of the first lesson is "Historical Background of the Epistle."

The memory verse is Acts 20:32. The texts to be studied are as follows:

Ques. 1. Acts 9:15.

Ques. 2. Acts 9:19, 20, 22.

Ques. 3. Acts 9:26-30; Gal. 1:15-21;

Acts 11:25, 26.

Ques. 4. Acts 13 ; 14.

Ques. 5. Acts 13 :42-48.

Ques. 6. Acts 15:1, 5.

Ques. 7. Acts 15: 6, 10, 11, 19, 20.

Ques. 8. Acts 15:30, 35.

Ques. 9. Acts 15:36.

Ques. 10. Acts 15:41; 16:1, 6-8.

Ques. 11. Acts 17:1, 5, 10, 13 ; 18:1, 4, 6.

Ques. 12. Acts 18:22, 23.

Ques. 13. Acts 20:29, 30.

Ques. 14. Acts 20:28, 31, 32.

f 47 I

FAR

EASTERN DIVISI •N

-t



JAPAN S

OREAN UNION

PUBLISHING 'HOUSE

1.1

;

ARO] •

CNIN ISLAND

POPULATION

CIVIERtIS CO.MIN



92,103,030



366



23,124



28,538



95.760,003



5,409



9,277



24,994,117



174



20,082



83,967



13,208,535



432



29,475



35,264



14,426,872



6.073



17.258



13,820,715



522



51,320



80,169



63,666,450



7,932



13,113



146,100



477



542



1.800.800



305



781

INDONESIA

JAPAN

KOREAN

NOM PHILIPPINE

SOUTH CHINA ISLAND

SOUTH PHILIPPINE

SOUTHEAST ASIA

FAR EASTERN ISLAND MISS.

WEST NEW GUINEA MISS,

DIVISION TOTALS

IFimoros of lo.. 30, 1963)

319,122,789



1,666



144,197



268,509

PACIFIC • FAN

PRI

AI WAN

Formosa)

HOSPITAL

LUZON

•

PAC

NORTH PHILIPPINE

UNION \

UrS

SOUTM CHINA SEA

TRAINING SCHOOL

JESSILTON

MALAYA

KUALA LUMPUR

INDONESIAN UNION

JAVA



URI